As soon as Aarya leapt through the narrow c***k, he found himself in open, cold air. The morning sunlight shimmered faintly over the jungle beyond the ridge, but the air still carried the red stench of Bloodthorn.
The Shadow Seed darted swiftly through the dense paths of the forest. Though its body was small, the glow from its single red eye sent a strange chill echoing across the jungle.
Feran sat on Aarya's shoulder, his silver fur swaying with the wind. "That seed isn't just running… it's trying to reach somewhere. It has a purpose."
Aarya tightened his grip on the Granthnishaan and increased his speed. "Wherever it's going, I have to stop it."
---
The jungle paths were narrow and tangled. Roots twisted beneath the trees, but Aarya leapt over every bush and branch, his feet barely
