The forest was eerily quiet as Amon, Avilyn, and Lilith made their way back to the mansion. The air hung heavy with the aftermath of their encounter with Aluxio, their steps hurried yet deliberate. Lilith leaned heavily on Avilyn, her strength still sapped from the barrier's draining magic.
Amon walked slightly ahead, his senses on high alert. Every rustle of leaves, every shadow cast by the waning moonlight set his nerves on edge. Aluxio's warning echoed in his mind: This isn't over.
"We're almost there," Avilyn said softly, her voice a mix of reassurance and urgency. "Lilith, just hold on a little longer."
"I'm fine," Lilith replied weakly, though her trembling legs betrayed her words. Her eyes darted to Amon's back, his broad shoulders tense with restrained anger. "Amon…"