The journey to the Seer's sanctuary began under the cover of dawn. Pale light broke across the jagged horizon, casting long shadows over the narrow mountain paths. Mist clung to the stones, veiling their route in a shifting haze as the wind whispered of unseen dangers.
Aleron led the group with deliberate strides, his hand never far from the hilt of his sword. Every creak of leather and clink of metal echoed in the silence, heightening the tension that hung between them. Behind him, Kael moved with quiet purpose, his eyes constantly scanning the distance, his thoughts a storm beneath his calm exterior.
Seraphina rode beside Aidan, her fiery hair a striking contrast to the dull landscape. She watched Kael with measured curiosity. His power had already saved them once, but she knew how dangerous untamed magic could be.
"He's still struggling," she whispered to Aidan, her voice low.
Aidan didn't look up from adjusting the fletching on his arrows. "Aren't we all?"
"His struggle is different. The Void isn't a foe you face with steel alone."
"That's his burden," Aidan muttered, tightening the quiver's strap over his shoulder. "We all have ours."
They traveled in uneasy silence until the path opened into a narrow valley, where jagged stones jutted from the ground like broken teeth. The wind howled through the gaps, carrying the scent of rain and something darker—something ancient.
"The Shardwoods lie ahead," Dorian said, his keen eyes narrowing. "The Seer's domain begins there."
"Then we're close," Aleron replied, his voice steely.
Jareth's dagger spun idly in his hand as he walked. "The Shardwoods aren't exactly known for their hospitality. Are we prepared for whatever's waiting?"
"Prepared or not," Aleron said, "we don't have a choice."
They pressed forward, their footsteps swallowed by the growing mist. The air thickened, every breath heavy with an unseen weight. The trees ahead loomed tall and twisted, their gnarled branches reaching like claws. The ground beneath them was slick with blackened roots that pulsed faintly, as if alive.
Kael felt the sigil on his hand grow warm. He paused, gripping his sword tightly as he sensed the presence of something unseen—something watching.
"There's something here," he murmured.
Before anyone could respond, a low growl rumbled from the shadows. Figures began to emerge—beasts twisted by the Void, their eyes glowing with unnatural light, their forms grotesque and shifting.
"Voidborn," Seraphina hissed, fire igniting in her palms.
"Defensive circle!" Aleron commanded, drawing his sword in a flash of steel.
The beasts lunged.