Liam's muscles tightened instinctively, his claws flexing against the dirt. The man standing before them exuded a calm confidence that set every alarm in his mind blaring. He was not a mere bystander.
Elena was the first to speak, her voice sharp and steady. "Who are you? And why should we trust anything you say?"
The man stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate, as though trying not to provoke them. "My name is Kael. I've been tracking the creature you fought earlier." His piercing blue eyes flickered toward Liam. "It's not the only one out here."
"We've noticed," Elena replied curtly, crossing her arms. "That doesn't answer why you're following us."
Kael's gaze shifted to her, unwavering. "Because you're walking straight into a trap. The forest ahead is crawling with more of them—creatures bred to hunt and kill anything that moves. I followed you to ensure you didn't end up as their next meal."
Liam's tail lashed behind him, a mixture of frustration and skepticism churning in his gut. "And what's in it for you? People don't just offer help for no reason."
Kael's expression darkened slightly, his jaw tightening. "Let's just say I have my reasons for wanting those creatures eradicated. Whether or not you believe me, staying on your current path is a death sentence."
Elena exchanged a quick glance with Liam. Her expression was unreadable, but the slight furrow of her brow told him she was weighing their options.
"You expect us to just follow you blindly?" she asked.
Kael's lips quirked into a faint, humorless smile. "Not blindly. But if you're smart, you'll listen. I know these woods better than anyone. I can guide you to safety, or you can take your chances on your own."
Liam's gaze bore into Kael, searching for any sign of deceit. He didn't trust him—not entirely—but there was something in the man's demeanor that suggested he wasn't lying.
"Fine," Liam said finally, his voice low and reluctant. "But if this is some kind of trick—"
"It's not," Kael interrupted, his tone firm. "You'll see soon enough."
The trio moved cautiously through the forest, Kael leading the way with practiced ease. He navigated the terrain with a precision that spoke of years spent in the wild, his movements almost silent against the underbrush.
Liam kept close to Elena, his senses on high alert. The oppressive silence of the forest was broken only by the occasional snap of a twig or the distant cry of a nocturnal creature. Every step felt like a gamble, each shadow a potential threat.
"Where exactly are we going?" Elena asked, her voice low but steady.
Kael didn't look back as he answered. "There's a safe zone not far from here. It's heavily warded—those creatures won't be able to get through."
"Warded?" Liam repeated, his eyes narrowing. "You mean magic?"
Kael nodded. "Of a sort. The area is protected by ancient barriers, left behind by the people who used to inhabit these lands. It's one of the few places where you'll be safe."
Elena arched an eyebrow. "And you just happen to know about this place?"
Kael glanced over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "Like I said, I have my reasons."
The group fell into silence once more, the tension between them thick and palpable. Despite his unease, Liam couldn't help but notice how Kael moved—every step precise, every glance calculated. He wasn't just someone who had stumbled into the forest by accident.
After what felt like hours, they arrived at a small clearing. At its center stood a crumbling stone archway, its surface etched with faint, glowing runes. The air around it hummed faintly, a subtle but undeniable energy radiating from the structure.
"This is it," Kael said, gesturing toward the archway.
Liam approached cautiously, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of danger. The air felt different here—lighter, almost soothing. He glanced at Kael, suspicion still lingering in his mind.
"And you're sure this will keep those things out?"
Kael nodded. "Positive. But we won't be the only ones using this refuge. Others have sought shelter here as well."
Elena stiffened at his words. "Others? Who?"
Before Kael could answer, a voice called out from the shadows. "Travelers! State your purpose!"
Liam whirled around, his wings flaring slightly as a group of figures emerged from the treeline. They were armed—bows, swords, and makeshift spears held at the ready. Their faces were wary, their eyes darting between Kael and the newcomers.
Kael raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "They're with me," he said firmly. "They mean no harm."
The apparent leader of the group, a tall woman with dark hair and a scar running down her cheek, stepped forward. Her gaze was sharp and calculating as she studied Liam and Elena.
"They don't look like they belong here," she said, her tone cold.
"We don't," Elena replied, her voice steady. "But we're not your enemies, either."
The woman's eyes narrowed, but after a tense moment, she nodded. "Fine. But any trouble, and you're out."
Kael inclined his head in thanks. "Understood."
As the group dispersed, Liam turned to Kael, his expression grim. "You'd better be right about this place."
Kael met his gaze, his eyes unwavering. "I am. But don't get too comfortable. This is only a temporary reprieve. The real fight is far from over."