Chapter

125

The cursed forest loomed ahead, its gnarled trees twisted into grotesque shapes. A thick mist clung to the ground, muffling sound and obscuring vision. Aurora and her group advanced cautiously, every step laden with tension. Shadow beasts prowled at the edges of their sight, their glowing eyes watching hungrily. Anica led the way, her blade drawn and her senses sharp. Nathan flanked the group, his hand never straying far from his weapon. Aurora's body still ached from the battle at the camp, and the celestial fragment hummed faintly in her grasp, its light dim. Cassian stayed close, his protective presence grounding her as they pressed deeper into the forest. "This place feels wrong," Cassian muttered, scanning the twisted landscape.

"It's cursed," Anica said, her voice low. "The grove is hidden somewhere within this madness. The Lycan King's forces will have the same obstacles, but we can't underestimate him."noveldrama

Aurora paused, sensing a flicker of energy through the Pact. "The grove is close," she said. "I can feel it."

Before anyone could respond, the shadow beasts attacked.

They came in waves, their snarls and growls filling the air. Cassian charged forward, his blade meeting the first beast with a resounding clash. Anica fought with precision, her strikes landing true as she carved a path through the chaos. Nathan held the rear, his movements calculated and fierce.

Aurora clutched the celestial fragment, channeling its energy. Light burst from her hands, dispersing the beasts in flashes of brilliance. But with each use, the fragment's power waned, leaving her weaker.

Cassian fought his way back to her side, his breathing heavy. "How much longer can you hold them off?"

"Not long," Aurora admitted, her voice strained. "We need to find the grove."

Anica shouted from ahead, her voice cutting through the din. "This way! I see a path!"

The group followed Anica, fending off shadow beasts as they pushed forward. The air grew colder, the mist thickening until they could barely see.

Finally, they broke through the trees and into a clearing.

But their relief was short-lived.