The journey to the safe house stretched through the endless shadows of the forest, the thick canopy above casting dappled light that barely pierced the darkness. The air was heavy with tension as Aura, Logan, and their mysterious new companion, Kieran, pressed forward. Each step felt more burdened than the last, as though the weight of Kieran's prophecy lingered over Aura like an unrelenting shadow.
Logan kept glancing back at Kieran, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. "So, Kieran," he said, his tone intentionally casual but laced with doubt, "if you're part of the Shadow Vanguard, why haven't we heard of you before?"
Kieran smirked but didn't break stride. "The Vanguard works best in secrecy. Most of us stay hidden, even from each other. That's how we've survived Ashcroft this long."
"Convenient," Logan muttered under his breath.
Aura shot Logan a warning look. "Enough. We don't have the luxury of questioning allies right now."
