The army marched deeper into the eastern mountains.
No one spoke much.
The forest had changed.
The trees were taller, darker, and twisted in unnatural directions. Mist clung to the ground even though the afternoon sun was bright overhead.
Aria rode at the front beside Kaelen.
Lucian followed several yards behind them with the Bloodmoon warriors.
After the battle with the Shadow Guardians, everyone understood one thing.
Darius wasn't simply waiting for them.
He was watching them.
Every step they took seemed to be part of a larger game.
Aria kept her eyes on the mountains.
“Something is wrong.”
Kaelen glanced at her.
“You've said that three times.”
“And every time, I was right.”
A faint smile touched his lips.
“That you were.”
Aria suddenly stopped.
Kaelen pulled on the rei
