The journey westward toward the ruins of Velkareth began at dawn.
Kaelin stood atop a rocky rise, watching as the horizon bled light into the jungle. Behind her, the remnants of the Sunken Temple still steamed, the ashes of the shattered shard sending faint curls of heat into the sky.
Elira approached first, her dark armor slick with dew, her stance alert as always. "Scouts report no Flameborn activity within a day’s march. But something’s tracking us."
Kaelin didn’t look at her. "What kind of something?"
"Silent. Fast. Leaves no scent. They’re not cultists. Could be wild Shades from the old border. Could be worse."
Kaelin’s eyes narrowed.
Theron joined them, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "We shouldn’t waste time. If Isara reaches Velkareth before us..."
"She won’t," Ka
