The climb grew steeper as Kael and his companions pressed forward, the oppressive silence broken only by the sound of their labored breathing. The mist clung to their forms like a shroud, its cold tendrils seeping into their bones. The encounter with the spirits had shaken them, and though they moved with determination, an unease lingered among the group.
"We're close to the ridgeline," Seryn said, her voice barely audible over the wind. "Once we're there, we can scout for a safer route forward."
Kael nodded, but his gaze remained on the mark glowing faintly on his hand. The Crown's hum had grown steadier, its rhythm matching the tension coiling in his chest. He could feel the Veil's presence more acutely now, a weight pressing against his senses.
"Do you think the spirits will come back?" Mareth asked, her grip on her sword firm.
"No," Kael said, though the certainty in his voice faltered. "They gave us a warning. If they wanted to stop us, they would've done it already."
"Not exactly comforting," Lira muttered, her eyes scanning the mist.
The ridgeline offered a narrow path bordered by sheer drops on either side. The air was clearer here, the mist giving way to a sweeping view of the valleys below. Far in the distance, the faint glow of the Council's forces could be seen, their torches like scattered stars in the darkness.
"They're closer than I thought," Seryn said, narrowing her eyes. "We'll need to move quickly if we're going to stay ahead of them."
Kael turned to her, his expression grim. "Do we know where the next trial is? The Crown hasn't given me any clear direction."
"Not yet," Seryn replied. "But the energy in the area is shifting. When it's ready, you'll feel it."
Lira let out a dry laugh. "Great. Let's hope it doesn't 'feel ready' when we're surrounded."
Mareth stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the distant lights. "We should keep moving. If they find us up here, we'll have nowhere to run."
Kael hesitated, his instincts warning him of something unseen. The Crown's hum grew louder, its energy tingling against his skin. "Wait," he said, raising a hand. "Something's not right."
The wind shifted abruptly, carrying with it a low, guttural sound that sent chills down their spines. The group tensed, their weapons drawn as the sound grew louder, echoing off the cliffs.
"What is that?" Lira whispered, her daggers poised.
Seryn's gaze darted to the shadows along the ridgeline. "We're not alone."
From the darkness, figures emerged—hulking shapes that moved with an unnatural grace. Their forms were shrouded in darkness, their glowing eyes piercing through the gloom. These were not spirits or shadows; they were something far more corporeal, and their presence radiated malice.
"Council hunters," Seryn said, her voice tight. "Elite trackers. They've been sent to kill us."
Mareth raised her sword, her stance unwavering. "Then they're in for a fight."
The hunters advanced silently, their movements precise and coordinated. Kael felt the Crown's energy surge, a warning and a weapon all at once. He stepped forward, his staff glowing as he channeled its power.
"Stay together," Kael said, his voice steady. "We can't let them separate us."
The clash was immediate and brutal. Mareth met the first hunter head-on, her sword clanging against its jagged blade. Lira moved like a shadow, her daggers finding weak points in their armor. Seryn fought with precision, her strikes calculated to exploit their openings.
Kael focused on supporting his companions, the Crown's energy forming barriers and bursts of light to disrupt the hunters' movements. The mark on his hand burned brightly, the power coursing through him in waves.
"They're not backing down!" Mareth shouted, parrying a heavy blow.
"They won't," Seryn said, her voice sharp. "They're not here to capture us. They're here to kill."
Kael's chest tightened as he unleashed a surge of energy, the light blinding one of the hunters long enough for Lira to strike. But for every hunter they brought down, another seemed to take its place, their numbers relentless.
"We need to end this!" Kael shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "If we don't, they'll overwhelm us!"
Seryn nodded, her gaze meeting his. "Then use the Crown. Its power is our only chance."
Kael hesitated, the weight of the Crown's energy pressing against him. He could feel its pull, the temptation to unleash its full force. But the trial's warning echoed in his mind: The Veil tests all who tread near it.
"Kael!" Mareth's voice snapped him from his thoughts. "Do it!"
Taking a deep breath, Kael raised his staff, the Crown's energy surging to its peak. A wave of light erupted from him, engulfing the hunters in its brilliance. Their forms dissolved into shadow, the remnants scattering into the wind.
When the light faded, the ridgeline was silent once more. Kael staggered, his strength drained, but the Crown's hum had quieted, its energy spent.
The group stood in the aftermath, their breaths heavy. Mareth sheathed her sword, her expression a mix of relief and exhaustion.
"Is it over?" Lira asked, her voice wary.
"For now," Seryn said, her gaze lingering on Kael. "But they'll send more. We need to keep moving."
Kael nodded, his grip on his staff steady despite the tremor in his hands. The weight of the Crown felt heavier now, its power a constant reminder of the stakes.
"We press on," he said. "The trials won't wait for us."