Chapter 57: The Hidden Path

The narrow path twisted and turned through the dense woods, branches and leaves reaching out like grasping fingers as Lysandra, Zephyrion, and Althara pushed forward. The faint blue glow from the crystal Lysandra carried was their only light in the dim forest, its steady pulse a silent guide as the shadows seemed to close in around them.

Althara moved swiftly, her steps sure despite the rough terrain. She glanced back occasionally, her expression tense. "This path hasn't been used in years," she said, her voice low. "It's a forgotten route, but it should keep us hidden from the soldiers."

Lysandra glanced over her shoulder, half-expecting to see figures emerging from the misty darkness. The thought of Elara's men tracking them sent a shudder through her. "How did you know to find us?" she asked Althara, suspicion still lingering in her tone.

Althara hesitated, her gaze shifting to the crystal Lysandra held. "The crystal's light… it called to me," she said. "There's magic in this forest, old magic that resonates with objects of power like yours. It led me to you."

Zephyrion's eyes narrowed as he studied Althara. "You know more about the crystal than you're letting on," he said, his tone edged with suspicion. "Why would you risk helping us?"

Althara's expression softened, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I lost someone to Elara's darkness," she confessed, her voice barely audible. "My brother… he was taken because he dared to defy her. If there's even a chance that helping you can weaken her hold, then I have to try."

Lysandra felt a pang of empathy at the young woman's words. "We'll do everything we can to stop Elara," she vowed, her grip on the crystal tightening. "You're not alone in this fight."

The path became steeper, leading them to a rocky incline covered with moss and tangled roots. Lysandra stumbled, her foot slipping on the uneven ground, but Zephyrion was there in an instant, catching her arm and steadying her. "Careful," he murmured, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.

She nodded, a rush of gratitude and something deeper stirring within her. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

They continued onward, the air growing colder as the trees grew denser around them. The sense of being watched prickled at the back of Lysandra's neck, and she glanced around, half-expecting to see eyes gleaming in the shadows. The forest was alive with whispers, the wind carrying faint sounds that were almost like voices.

Althara came to a sudden halt, raising a hand to signal them to stop. "Wait," she whispered. "There's something ahead."

Lysandra strained her ears, hearing the faint rustling of leaves and a low, guttural growl that sent a chill down her spine. From the shadows ahead, a pair of eyes gleamed—yellow and filled with a predatory hunger. The beast emerged from the underbrush, its sleek form low to the ground, muscles rippling beneath its fur as it bared its fangs.

Zephyrion drew his blade with a swift motion, positioning himself between Lysandra and the approaching creature. "Stay behind me," he ordered, his voice calm but firm.

Althara backed away, her expression one of alarm. "It's a nightstalker," she said urgently. "A guardian beast of the forest. We need to move—now!"

But the nightstalker sprang forward, its growl turning into a snarl as it lunged toward them. Zephyrion met the beast's attack with a powerful swing of his sword, the blade glinting in the dim light. The clash echoed through the woods, and Lysandra felt a surge of energy pulse through the crystal, reacting to the danger.

Without thinking, she raised the crystal, its blue glow flaring brighter, casting a shimmering light over the scene. The nightstalker recoiled, its eyes narrowing as if it could sense the power emanating from the crystal.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still as the crystal's light enveloped the beast, its whispers louder now, guiding Lysandra's actions.

To be continued…