Shadows in Pursuit

### Chapter 5: Shadows in Pursuit

Kael didn't wait for me to catch my breath. He grabbed my arm, hauling me to my feet. Nightshade limped to my side, its golden eyes wary but determined.

"We need to move," Kael said, his voice sharp. "The creature you stopped? It's not the last, and its pack will be here soon."

I glanced back at the massive beast lying still, its glowing eyes dim. It wasn't dead—just subdued—but controlling it had drained me. My legs felt like lead, and my head throbbed with the effort it had taken to command something so powerful.

"Where are we going?" I asked, struggling to keep up as Kael led us deeper into the forest.

"Somewhere they can't track you," he replied. "For now, keep your focus on moving. Questions can wait."

The forest grew darker as we ran, the trees closing in like jagged shadows. Nightshade moved silently beside me, its gait uneven but determined. I wanted to stop, to demand answers, but every time I opened my mouth, the distant sound of howls reminded me why we couldn't slow down.

After what felt like hours, Kael finally stopped at the edge of a ravine. A narrow bridge of jagged rock spanned the gap, the depths below shrouded in mist.

"Across there," Kael said, pointing. "They won't follow us on unstable ground."

I hesitated, looking at the precarious path. "You're kidding, right?"

Kael smirked. "You're welcome to stay and test your control on the next wave."

The sound of snapping branches and distant growls left me no choice. Swallowing my fear, I stepped onto the bridge, the rock shifting slightly under my weight.

"Slow and steady," Kael called behind me.

Nightshade followed close, its claws scraping against the uneven surface. Kael brought up the rear, his crimson eyes scanning the trees for movement.

We were halfway across when the howls grew louder, closer. I glanced back, my heart sinking as glowing eyes appeared at the edge of the forest.

"They're here!" I shouted.

Kael didn't bother looking back. "Keep moving!"

The creatures stepped into the open, their massive forms illuminated by the moonlight. They were different from the beast I'd subdued—sleeker, faster, their movements unnervingly coordinated.

One of them leapt onto the bridge, its claws digging into the rock. The entire structure shook, sending a cascade of loose stones tumbling into the abyss.

"Run!" Kael yelled, pushing me forward.

Nightshade growled, turning to face the creature as it charged. I reached out instinctively, the same power I'd felt before surging through me.

"Stop!" I commanded, but this time, the creature didn't freeze. It faltered, its movements slowing, but it kept coming.

Kael cursed, drawing his blade. "You're not strong enough yet. Keep going—I'll hold them off!"

"No!" I protested, but Kael had already turned, his weapon glinting in the moonlight as he faced the advancing monsters.

Nightshade snarled, staying by my side as we hurried across the bridge. The structure groaned under our combined weight, but we reached the other side just as the first of the creatures lunged for Kael.

I turned back, my chest tightening as I watched him fight. His movements were impossibly fast, his blade a blur as it cut through the air. But for every creature he struck down, another took its place.

"Come on!" I called, but Kael didn't respond.

The bridge shuddered violently, cracks spreading across its surface. Kael glanced at me, his crimson eyes meeting mine for a brief moment.

"Keep moving!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the ravine. "I'll find you!"

Before I could argue, the bridge gave way, crumbling into the abyss below.

"Kael!" I screamed, but it was too late. The sound of rushing wind and falling stone filled the air as the bridge collapsed, taking Kael and the monsters with it.

I stood frozen, staring at the empty space where the bridge had been. Nightshade nudged my side, pulling me from my shock.

"We have to go," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

With one last glance at the ravine, I turned and stumbled into the forest, Nightshade at my side.

But as we moved deeper into the shadows, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was far from over. Kael's words echoed in my mind: *This was just the first wave.*

And I was no longer sure if I was running toward safety or straight into the heart of danger.