The silence following the massacre didn't last long. Soon, the first crows began to fly over the mutilated bodies, cawing in a mournful chorus. The smell of iron and hot flesh permeated the air, and Kael knew that this field of blood would be like a beacon to the enemies still prowling the region.
"Move. Now." His voice sounded like a sentence.
No one dared question. Amelia, staggering, was pulled along by Sylphie, who was still crying silently but remained firm in her gestures. Irelia carried the princess by the arm, not because the young woman couldn't walk alone, but because every shadow in the forest could be a danger, and being close was the only guarantee of protection.
They entered the trees, leaving the blood-stained road behind. The sunset sank into the high branches, casting long, twisted shadows that seemed to move alongside them. Each step was heavy, and the dry sound of boots against the leaf-covered ground was reminiscent of muffled war drums.
