Not wanting to be caught by Nero, Khione surged forward, channeling more power into her crystal wings. Each beat sent a shimmering trail of ice particles into the air as she cut through the sky like a frozen blade.
Behind her, Nero was hot on her trail, weaving between tree branches and rocky outcrops at breakneck speed. The thrill of the chase sent a rush through his veins, and perhaps because of that heightened excitement, his Divine Sense stretched beyond its usual limits—reaching out to a full 300 meters.
That's when he felt it.
A faint presence brushed the edge of his awareness—hidden, still, and easy to miss if not for his sharpened focus. It was near a small mountain nestled at the edge of the forest, cloaked in shadow. His lips curled into a sly grin. Khione hasn't noticed it yet.
This was his chance.
