Author's Note:
The chapter is still unedited. Please return to read it 3-4 hours later. I'm really sorry for the inconvenience.
* * *
The descent from the mountain had started peacefully enough.
Our class was tired after a long day of hiking and rune work, but spirits were high as we made our way down the narrow path toward the hotel. I stayed near Mallory and Ria, occasionally glancing at Rowan who, as usual, lingered nearby with a protective aura. Oscar, Jasper, and the instructors kept to the back and front of the line, maintaining order and making sure no one wandered off the trail.
That's when it happened.
A sharp, terrified scream split the calm air—cutting through our laughter like a blade.
Gasps followed. Someone shouted a name. Students froze, heads snapping toward the direction of the sound. My heart lodged in my throat as I turned and spotted a student slipping off the trail's edge where the ground had given away.
