death trap

The air was thick with a growing tension as we stood on the barren plains, the ruins of the temple just behind us. My heart pounded in my chest, not from the lingering exhaustion of the temple, but from the sight of figures moving steadily toward us on the horizon. Dark silhouettes, unmistakable in their purpose. They were coming for us.

"Jade, we've got company," Leif said, his voice grim as he adjusted his grip on his weapon.

I nodded, barely able to tear my eyes away from the advancing shapes. My body still felt weak from what had happened inside the temple, the strain of controlling the crystal's power leaving me drained. But there was no time to rest. Not now.

Raven was the first to speak up. "We need to get out of here. We're in no shape to fight a full hunting party. There's no telling how many more are out there."