Chapter 38: The Path of Shadows

Aria’s steps were quick, fueled by a mixture of fear and determination as she left the Enchanted Grove behind. The whispers of the trees faded, and the air grew colder with every step. The path ahead was dark, the sky obscured by thick clouds, and the once vibrant forest now seemed ominous, as if the darkness Damien warned her about had begun to seep into the world.

She had no map, no clear idea of where she was headed, but she could feel the pull of the dark magic. It was like a thread, barely perceptible but growing stronger as she followed it deeper into the unknown. Aria’s heart pounded in her chest as she thought of Damien, his form dissolving into shadow right before her eyes. She couldn’t let that be his fate—she wouldn’t.