Kaelor’s POV
They didn’t leave the ruins fast enough.
That was the first mistake.
Kaelor could feel it the moment they turned back toward the forest path—the air had already changed. Not heavier. Not colder.
Locked.
Like something had closed behind them.
Aurenya was still unstable on her feet.
Rhydan kept one arm firmly around her waist, half carrying her without making it obvious.
Draven walked ahead.
Always ahead.
Kaelor hated how calm he looked.
Because nothing about this was calm.
“Stay close,” Kaelor muttered under his breath.
Rhydan shot him a look. “She’s right here.”
“That’s exactly the problem,” Kaelor replied.
Aurenya’s breathing was uneven. Controlled, but barely.
Her fingers were curled into Rhydan’s shirt like she was anchoring herself to reality.
But her eyes
