Orion's gaze swept across the endless green canopy before them, his voice carrying the weight of ancient familiarity. "This place is called the Verdant Expanse. My territory. It borders the Demon Lord's domain to the east." He gestured vaguely toward the horizon. "If you fly from here, following the mountain range until it curves south, you will reach the Wastelands within days rather than weeks."
Adam's jaw tightened. "So those bastards teleported us halfway across the continent." He exhaled slowly, forcing down the surge of anger. "At least we're closer to where we need to be."
He turned to Orion, meeting those ancient golden eyes with genuine gratitude.
"Thank you. For the information, for healing us, for... not killing us." He placed a hand over his chest, a gesture of sincerity. "I owe you a great debt."
