The forest whispered as they moved, shadows stretching long across the path. Elena stayed close to Dante, her sword heavy at her side, her magic restless in her chest. Every step toward the ruins felt heavier, like she was walking straight into fate.
"Stay near me," Dante said quietly. His voice wasn't playful this time . It was protective, steady. The sound of it made Elena's heart stumble.
Leo's glare burned from behind them, but she ignored it. Her thoughts were tangled. Amber, the artifact, and the strange pull she felt toward the man beside her. She didn't know if it was trust, destiny, or something far more dangerous.
The forest grew darker, quieter. A chill clung to them like damp cloth. Leo shivered, muttering under his breath. Lena kept her eyes fixed on Elena, her fear sharp but her resolve sharper. She wouldn't let anything happen to her.
Dante raised his hand. The group froze.
"Leo," he called softly.
Leo stepped forward, reluctant. He already regretted coming. Something deep in his chest told him this place would swallow them whole.
"I need you to listen in. What do you hear?" Dante asked.
Leo closed his eyes. The forest came alive. Squeaks of rats, rustle of squirrels. Nothing useful.
"I don't hear anything," he muttered.
Dante's gaze flicked to the scout. "How close are we to the ruins?"
"Very close," the scout replied.
"Try again, Leo."
Leo scowled. "I told you already. Nothing useful. We'll have to move closer."
"Going closer risks being seen," Dante said firmly. "That lowers our chances of winning. So try harder."
Something in his tone made Leo pause. He hated Dante, but against his will, he felt… pushed. Inspired, even.
He closed his eyes again, forcing his magic to stretch further than it ever had. A headache bloomed at the back of his skull. Sweat broke across his brow despite the chill.
At first, only the forest answered. Then, faint voices. Jumbled. Broken.
"I hear something," Leo whispered, excitement flickering.
"Good," Dante said. His voice was calm, steady. "Now lock in. Separate them. Picture what they look like."
Leo nodded, pushing harder. The headache worsened, hammering against his skull. Sorting the voices was harder than he imagined.
A gentle hand touched his shoulder. The faint scent of jasmine told him it was Elena.
"You can do this, Leo," she whispered.
Her voice was soft, but it struck like steel.
He couldn't give up now. Not when Elena believed in him.
****
Yami struck a log of wood with his axe, splinters flying. Frustration loomed over him, heavy and sharp. He felt the urge to murder someone just to ease the gnawing in his chest.
They had been searching for hours, yet still no sign of the artifact. Nothing magical. Nothing useful. Was Sally sending him on a wild goose chase?
A bird swooped down, landing neatly on his shoulder.
"My friend… what news do you have for me today?" Yami asked, his voice low.
The bird chirped, its red eyes catching the sunlight.
"Oh… I see. We have company."
Another chirp.
"You've done well. Stay close."
The bird flew off, and excitement stirred in Yami's heart. Finally, something to play with.
"Amber!" he called.
She appeared from the shadows, her eyes faintly glowing.
"Get ready. We're about to have some unwanted guests."
The glint in his eyes was hunger and bloodlust. And this time, he was going to make sure Elena didn't leave the ruins alive.