Story 276: Crossing Shadows

The journey back was fraught with silence, both Damien and Mira weighed down by the power of the relic they’d acquired. The undead would surely sense it; they had no choice but to push onward, relying on shadows to keep them hidden from the wandering monsters in the dying forest.

But as night descended, Damien caught sight of something unusual. A faint light flickered through the trees, casting eerie silhouettes. He motioned for Mira to stay low, and they crept closer. What they saw took them by surprise—a group of survivors, cloaked and huddled around a fire, their wary eyes darting around the darkness.

“Human,” Damien whispered to Mira, feeling the pang of hope stir in his chest.

They emerged cautiously, making sure their hands were visible, weapons down. At first, the strangers flinched, distrust flashing in their eyes, but seeing Damien and Mira’s calm demeanor, they lowered their defenses slightly. An elder, draped in a cloak and marked by scars, stepped forward.