They moved deeper into the forest, boots crunching against fallen leaves and brittle branches. Cryus walked slightly ahead, staff in hand, eyes sharp and wary. His magic was subtle but dangerous, focused on control and efficiency rather than flash.
Nradrey moved like a predator at ease in its territory. His stance was relaxed, but Anna noticed how his weight never fully settled, always ready to shift, to strike, to evade.
She felt… heavy.
Not physically. Emotionally.
Three days ago, she would have laughed louder, teased more, snapped faster. Now, there was a dull ache behind her ribs that no amount of walking seemed to ease. Too much had happened. Too many worlds, too many losses, too many truths stacked on her shoulders.
Still, watching the two men fight monsters stirred something in her.
The first attack came suddenly.
A low growl rippled through the undergrowth.
Cryus lifted a hand. "Three o'clock. Two targets."
