The forest did not release them easily.
Even after Kael called the order to turn back, the mist clung to their armor and cloaks, trailing like fingers reluctant to let go. Emil walked stiffly in line, his hand aching around the hilt of his sword, his legs trembling from exhaustion. Every step toward the safety of the walls should have been a relief, yet his gut told him he was carrying something back with him—something unseen, something that had fixed its eyes upon him and would not look away.
The others marched in tense silence, though the shuffling of boots and clink of chainmail carried the weight of their unease. No one dared break Kael’s order, but their stolen glances at one another, the quickening of breath, the occasional stumble spoke volumes. They had all seen something in the
