The first rays of dawn pierced the forest canopy, casting long shadows over the dense underbrush. Alexander's body ached with every step, but he forced himself to keep moving. The promise of rest—or even a brief respite—at the outpost Kaelith had mentioned was the only thing keeping him upright.
Kaelith led the way with her usual confidence, her spear slung casually over her shoulder. Despite their grueling pace, she showed no signs of fatigue. Occasionally, she glanced back at him, her sharp eyes assessing but silent.
"How much farther?" Alexander asked, his voice hoarse.
Kaelith pointed ahead without looking back. "Just beyond that ridge. Try to keep up."
Alexander stifled a groan, muttering under his breath, "Easier said than done."
The incline was steeper than it looked, every step up the rocky path testing his resolve. The weight of the Infernal Hornback's Essence still pulsed in his core, its fiery energy both invigorating and oppressive. It felt as though a second heart beat inside him, each thrum threatening to overwhelm his own.
As they crested the ridge, Alexander's eyes widened. Below them, nestled in a clearing surrounded by towering trees, was a cluster of buildings. The structures were crude but sturdy, made from timber and stone. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and faint voices carried on the morning breeze.
"Finally," Alexander breathed, relief washing over him.
Kaelith didn't share his enthusiasm. Her gaze swept over the outpost, her expression unreadable. "Stay alert," she said. "This place isn't as safe as it looks."
"What do you mean?" he asked, frowning.
"You'll see."
They descended the ridge and entered the outpost, the air thick with the scent of wood smoke and something metallic—blood, Alexander realized as they passed a pile of freshly skinned hides. Men and women bustled about, their clothes rugged and worn, weapons strapped to their backs or hanging at their sides. The atmosphere was tense, the kind of quiet that spoke of unspoken agreements and untrustworthy neighbors.
Kaelith led him to the largest building at the center of the settlement. Its weathered sign read Hunter's Lodge. She pushed the door open without hesitation, the creak of the hinges drawing a few wary glances from the occupants inside.
The interior was dimly lit, the flicker of lanterns casting long shadows over the rough-hewn tables and chairs. A massive fireplace dominated one wall, its flames crackling as a hulking man tended to a spit. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meat and ale.
Kaelith strode to the bar, her movements fluid and purposeful. Alexander followed, feeling every eye in the room on him.
A lean, sharp-eyed man behind the bar looked up as they approached. His weathered face was framed by a scraggly beard, and his piercing gaze lingered on Kaelith. "Back again, are we?"
"Just passing through," she replied coolly, sliding a small pouch across the counter. "Two rooms. Food and water."
The man opened the pouch, inspecting its contents before nodding. "Rooms upstairs. Food'll be brought to you."
Kaelith turned to Alexander. "Go upstairs and rest. I'll handle things here."
"What things?" Alexander asked, frowning.
Kaelith gave him a pointed look. "Just go."
Reluctantly, Alexander climbed the creaking staircase and found the rooms Kaelith had mentioned. His was small but serviceable—a narrow bed, a wooden chair, and a window overlooking the outpost. He dropped onto the bed with a groan, exhaustion pulling at him. But sleep didn't come easily. The shadowborn's warning and the uneasy tension of the outpost weighed heavily on his mind.
Downstairs, Kaelith leaned against the bar, her sharp eyes scanning the room. She knew this place well enough to recognize the signs of trouble brewing. The hunters here were a rough lot, and word traveled fast in circles like theirs. It wouldn't be long before someone pieced together that she and Alexander were carrying something valuable.
Her gaze settled on a group of men in the corner. Their low voices and frequent glances toward the staircase were enough to confirm her suspicions. She pushed off the bar and approached them, her steps deliberate.
One of the men looked up, his scarred face splitting into a grin that didn't reach his eyes. "Kaelith. Didn't think we'd see you again so soon."
"I'm full of surprises," she said dryly, stopping just short of their table. "Heard you've been poking around about me."
The man's grin widened. "Can't blame us for being curious. Word is, you've got yourself a new pet. A boy with more Essence than he knows what to do with."
Kaelith's expression didn't change, but her grip on her spear tightened. "Careful, Dren. Curiosity can get you killed."
Dren chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Relax. We're all friends here. Just thought we might… help lighten your load. That kind of power attracts attention, you know."
Kaelith's eyes narrowed. "Stay out of my way, Dren. You won't like how this ends if you don't."
Dren held her gaze for a moment before shrugging. "Suit yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you."
Kaelith turned and walked away, her expression unreadable. She needed to get Alexander out of here before things escalated. The boy was a walking target, and she wasn't about to let him get himself killed—or worse.
Alexander woke with a start, his heart racing. He didn't remember falling asleep, but the sound of voices outside his window had jolted him awake. He moved to the window and peered out, his breath catching.
A group of hunters stood in the clearing below, their weapons drawn. At their center was Dren, his scarred face twisted into a cruel smile. Beside him was a massive Essence beast, its fur bristling with a faint orange glow.
Alexander's stomach churned. He could feel the beast's power from here, its Essence a fiery aura that made the air shimmer. Dren's voice carried up to the window.
"Kaelith! Bring the boy out, or we'll come in and take him ourselves!"
Alexander's blood ran cold. He turned away from the window, his mind racing. He wasn't ready for another fight, not after the Hornback. But running wasn't an option, either.
Before he could decide what to do, the door to his room burst open, and Kaelith strode in, her expression grim. "Time to go," she said, tossing him a small satchel.
"What's going on?" he asked, though he already knew.
Kaelith didn't answer. Instead, she grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the window. "Out the back. Now."
Alexander hesitated, but the look in her eyes left no room for argument. He climbed out the window and dropped to the ground below, landing awkwardly but unhurt.
Kaelith followed, her movements swift and silent. She pointed toward the forest. "Run. Don't stop until I catch up."
"What about you?"
She smirked, her spear glinting in the faint light. "I'll handle them. Go."
Reluctantly, Alexander turned and ran, the sounds of the outpost fading behind him. But as he fled, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far worse.