Maya POV
Zara's head snaps toward the forest. Her entire body goes rigid.
"What is it?" I ask, still recovering from the teleportation.
"She knows we're here." Zara's voice is tight. "She sensed you the moment we arrived. She's coming."
"Now? Already?"
"Run!" Zara grabs my arm, pulling me deeper into the forest. "We're not ready. No weapons. No plan. Move!"
We sprint through the trees. Branches whip at my face. My legs burn. Behind us, something crashes through the undergrowth. Fast. Getting closer.
Then it stops. The forest goes silent.
Zara pulls me behind a massive oak tree. We press against the bark, breathing hard. She puts a finger to her lips. Listening.
Nothing. Just wind through leaves. The distant sound of the town.
"She's playing with us," Zara whispers. "Testing. Lear
