The walk back to the city felt longer, heavier.
The corrupted forest behind them seemed to breathe its last toxic sighs as shadows clung to every tree and whispered threats that only the darkness understood.
Luka's footsteps echoed hollowly on the cobblestones, his thoughts a whirlwind.
Snow fluttered beside him, occasionally alighting on his shoulder to nuzzle his neck. Despite the chaos, the little dragon remained a small anchor of calm.
Serene kept pace silently, her eyes scanning every shadow, every flicker of movement with the precision of a seasoned sentinel.
Neither spoke much—words felt insufficient against the weight of what they had uncovered.
By the time they reached the guild's heavy wooden doors, dawn's light was a pale promise on the horizon.
Inside, the guild was just waking up. The receptionist, still at her desk, glanced up as they approached, concern flickering in her eyes as she saw Luka's grim expression.
