Chapter 244: Soft Sand

The sounds of heavy, labored breaths filled the air as a group of exhausted youths lay sprawled beneath the dense canopy of an ancient tree, gasping for air. Sweat beaded on their foreheads, their damp hair clinging to their skin. Every muscle in their bodies burned from hours of relentless running, evading both the monsters in their path and the goblins and war trolls that pursued them.

Sylvia coughed, choking on the water she was drinking. Damon, sitting beside her, reached out and gently rubbed her back.

"Slowly… take it easy. We still have some time."

She nodded weakly, tilting her head back to rest against the cool ground, her gaze drifting toward the shifting shadows of the towering trees. Around her, the entire group radiated exhaustion and tension. None of them spoke, but their expressions revealed the weight of their situation—this chase had no end in sight.

Xander, leaning against his supply bag, finally broke the silence.