As they moved deeper into the forest, Vixen's sharp eyes fell on something half-buried beneath the roots and overgrowth. His breath caught. The structures, the symbols… all of it was still there.
Seventeen years had passed, yet the remnants of that cult lay untouched. Every ritual tool, every strange ornament of bone and iron — perfectly preserved, as if waiting.
Zavrion frowned and called out, "Father… what are these things?"
Vixen's voice turned low and grim. "These are instruments of black ritual. Sorcery used to summon the Demon Lord himself. They're powerful enough to harm even humans."
Zavrion, unable to fight his curiosity, took a step closer to the artifacts. His hand hovered as if he wanted to touch one.
But Vixen quickly stopped him, his tone sharp. "Don't. If you lay a hand on them, the consequences could be catastrophic. Stay back."
Zavrion swallowed hard and obeyed, keeping his distance.
Together, they pressed further into the woods until they came across a shack — a crooked little hut with a thatched roof that looked ready to collapse. Yet its walls were smeared with symbols scrawled in dark, dried blood.
Zavrion stopped suddenly, gagging. A foul stench clawed at his nose — the unmistakable reek of rotting flesh and old blood. He covered his face with his hand, his voice shaking. "Father… this smell… it's like something was murdered here. Or maybe… some animal was killed."
But Vixen only frowned, confused. "Murder? What are you talking about? I don't smell anything. To me, it's only the damp earth."
The unease in Zavrion's chest grew stronger. Despite his father's words, he stepped closer, curiosity gnawing at him, desperate to see what might be hidden within the shack. Vixen followed reluctantly at his side.
They had barely reached the doorway when an invisible force slammed into them like a wall, stopping them cold. It was as if some unseen power guarded the threshold, refusing them entry.
At that instant, Zavrion's instincts roared awake. His body trembled, and before he realized it, a protective wave of enigma pheromones burst out of him, wrapping both him and Vixen in a shield of raw energy.
Then, with his heart hammering, Zavrion thrust himself forward and shoved hard against the door of the shack.
The wooden planks groaned under his strength—
—and something inside stirred.
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Continue.....