The woods behind them yawned with a deep sigh as the party crossed onto the open road, the shadows of Arc 8 lingering with each step. The air was fresher here, but not free of tension. Kael's hand stayed near his sword, eyes scanning the horizon for movement. Azrak strode at his side, quiet but contemplative, crimson eyes flickering as he absorbed the remains of battles fought.
Elira wove between them, creating small wards in the air to hold back weariness and hidden damage. "We need to conserve our strength," she whispered softly. "The capital will try us more than our swords."
Rina's claws scraped against the earth road as she scanned their surroundings. "The road is peaceful, but I feel eyes upon us. Bandits or something more sinister… we must not get complacent."
Thargrim chuckled, hefting his axe. "Let them come. We've faced demons, and we've walked out alive. A few shadows on the road won't change that."
Even in this relative calm, the forest left behind shadows in their minds. Memories of ambushes, the shattered ritual, and Azrak's brief disappearance weighed on Kael. He glanced at his half-brother, whose expression remained guarded, and silently vowed to ensure Azrak's safety—no matter the cost.
The first indication of danger was a narrow gulch, where the wind howled unaturally through serrated rocks. Tiny figures moved between the rocks—bandits, not more than a dozen, but with poisoned knives and tame animals. Lyrielle frowned. "They've misjudged us," she said, without drawing her bow.
Kael nodded. "Steady. We attack together."
The battle was rapid. Rina's energy blasts disrupted the domesticated monsters, Thargrim burst through their lines, and Lyrielle's arrows shot straight. Even Azrak was precise, his slashes calculated and measured. In a matter of moments, the attackers were defeated, some running off, others unconscious.
Panting hard, Kael sheathed his sword. "No matter how narrow the path might be, peril accompanies us.
Elira advanced, her radiance healing small wounds. "Not only the road do we need to be wary of, but the shadows behind us—those who wish to control or destroy us."
The party continued, their step steady. Every step further from the forest was a relief and a new resolve, but the presence of the shadow organization still lingered in their minds, reminding them that the true tests were hardly begun. As the sun leaned toward the horizon, the wide plains lay ahead—a promise of freedom and of what lay ahead.