The trail twisted and narrowed as Kael, Eldrin, and Aria moved deeper into the Wildwoods. Towering trees stood like ancient sentinels, their thick branches intertwining to blot out the sun. Faint beams of light filtered through the canopy, casting golden patterns on the forest floor.

Kael kept his sword drawn, eyes flickering to every shadow. The tension between him and Aria was palpable. She walked a few paces ahead, bow slung over her shoulder, her movements graceful and confident despite the treacherous terrain.

"Is it always this quiet?" Kael asked, his voice hushed.

"No," Aria replied without turning. "Usually, you'd hear birds and the rustle of small animals. When the forest is silent, it means something dangerous is nearby."

"Comforting," Kael muttered.

Eldrin remained serene, his eyes glowing faintly as he traced invisible runes in the air. "The forest senses Drakmor's influence. His dark magic corrupts everything it touches."

Kael frowned. "And you thought this was the best route?"

Aria glanced back with a smirk. "You'd rather take the road patrolled by his shadow knights?"

Kael grumbled but said nothing. He'd heard enough stories about Drakmor's monstrous soldiers—creatures twisted by dark magic, devoid of humanity.

The group pressed on until they reached a narrow clearing. A fallen tree blocked their path, its bark scorched and blackened as though struck by lightning. The air smelled faintly of ash.

Aria knelt by the tree, her fingers brushing the charred wood. "This wasn't natural," she said, her voice grim. "Fire magic."

Eldrin nodded solemnly. "Drakmor's work."

Kael's grip on his sword tightened. "Then we need to move faster."

They clambered over the tree and continued deeper into the forest. The oppressive silence pressed down on them, broken only by the crunch of leaves underfoot.

Suddenly, Aria froze, her hand shooting up in a signal to stop. Kael and Eldrin halted, senses on high alert.

"What's wrong?" Kael whispered.

Aria's eyes scanned the shadows. "We're being watched."

Before Kael could respond, a guttural growl echoed through the trees. Dark shapes moved on the edge of his vision—hulking figures with eyes that glowed like embers.

"Drakmor's hounds," Eldrin said, his voice low. "Creatures forged from shadow and flame."

The first hound lunged from the underbrush, its black fur shimmering with fiery veins. Kael barely had time to react. He ducked under its snapping jaws and slashed upward, his blade slicing through its side. The creature howled but didn't fall.

"Aria!" Eldrin shouted.

She was already moving, loosing arrows faster than Kael thought possible. Each arrow found its mark, but the hounds kept coming.

"These things don't die easy," Kael growled, parrying another attack.

Eldrin raised his staff, blue light crackling at its tip. "Stay back!"

A surge of energy erupted from the staff, striking the hounds and sending them skittering back. The light lingered, forming a shimmering barrier around the group.

Panting, Kael wiped sweat from his brow. "Thanks for that."

"Don't thank me yet," Eldrin said grimly. "That spell won't hold for long."

Aria retrieved her spent arrows, her expression tense. "We need to keep moving."

Kael sheathed his sword and nodded. "Agreed. Next time, let's avoid the creepy death forest."

Eldrin sighed. "If only it were that simple."

As they resumed their journey, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. Drakmor's reach was growing, and if they were to survive this quest, they would need to become stronger.

Much stronger.