A week later, Luca, Michael, Leah, and Meji hurried through the desolate lands beneath the crimson moon.
They traveled mostly during the night, moving as quickly as their injured bodies allowed. Whenever they spotted the faint silhouette of a monster in the distance, they immediately changed course, slipping into the shadows and waiting until the creature passed.
Confronting monsters would waste time. But more importantly, it would draw unwarranted attention.
The monsters were not even the greatest threat to Luca and the others. The ravens were.
Every time the distant beating of wings reached their ears, the four immediately scattered and sought cover. They hid beneath rocky outcroppings, inside abandoned ruins, and among dense clusters of trees, remaining completely still until the flock disappeared into the darkness.
They could not afford to be discovered. Their journey had already taken longer than expected.
