The cabin was eerily quiet after the attack, the air heavy with an unspoken tension. Elyra's pendant pulsed with a steady light, drawing her toward the cabin's center. "What is it?" Dain asked, watching her warily.

"I don't know," Elyra murmured, following the glow to a patch of floorboards that seemed oddly out of place. Kneeling, she pried them up, revealing a hidden compartment beneath. Inside was an ancient map, the paper yellowed with age but the markings clear. A red "X" was scrawled deep within the forest, accompanied by cryptic symbols Elyra didn't recognize. Matthew, still pale from his injuries, leaned forward with a furrowed brow. "This isn't just a map. It's a guide. Someone wanted this to be found."

"To lead us into a trap," Dain muttered darkly. "We don't know who left it or why."

Elyra's fingers brushed over the map's surface, a strange warmth spreading through her hand. "I think it's meant for us," she said, her voice filled with quiet conviction.

Matthew nodded, his resolve firm despite his weakened state. "If this map holds answers, we can't ignore it. It might be the key to understanding who you are and how to stop whatever's coming."

Dain crossed his arms, his jaw tight. "And what if it's a setup? What if the Lycan King is waiting for us there?"

"We don't have a choice," Elyra said, her golden eyes meeting his. "If we stay here, we'll be sitting ducks."

Reluctantly, Dain agreed, and they set out the next morning.noveldrama

The forest grew denser and more treacherous as they followed the map. The air felt alive, humming with unseen energy. Flickering lights appeared in the distance, and whispers floated on the wind, their words unintelligible but unnerving. As they climbed a steep incline, Elyra paused to catch her breath. She turned to Dain, who was scouting ahead. "What do you think we'll find?"

"Trouble," he said bluntly, but his tone softened when he saw her worried expression. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together. I promise."

The promise lingered between them as they pressed on, the weight of the unknown growing heavier with each step.