Dusk bled into night by the time they reached Ashen Grove.
The trees didn't just die here, they twisted. Branches bent at angles that defied wind or logic. Reaching down like they were trying to claw their way back into the earth.
The soil wasn't gray anymore. It was ash. Pure ash. Deep enough that horses' hooves sank with each step, leaving prints that filled in too quickly, like the ground itself wanted to forget they'd been there.
Auryn dismounted and the silence pressed against his ears. It was definitely not peaceful, but hungry and ready to devour whoever trespassed.
"Set up torches," he ordered.
"We dig tonight."
All the miners exchanged glances. One of them with scarred hands spoke up.
"My lord, it's nearly dark. Can't we wait until—"
"Tonight." Auryn's tone left no room for debate. "While momentum holds. It's better to get what we want and leave"
