Chapter 76: The Forest of Whispers

The forest grew darker and denser as they pressed on, the oppressive silence only broken by the rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a branch beneath a boot. The air felt heavy, charged with an unseen energy that made every hair on Lucian's neck stand on end.

"Keep your eyes sharp," he ordered, his voice low but firm. "This place isn't natural."

Lyra walked beside him, her dagger drawn. "It feels like the forest is watching us."

"It probably is," Magnus rumbled from behind them, his massive axe slung over one shoulder. "Old magic lingers in places like this. We need to move quickly."

Selene trailed behind, her gaze darting between the shadows. Though her posture was tense, there was a certain calm in her movements, as if she was more familiar with the forest than she let on.

As the group navigated the labyrinth of trees, a faint sound reached Lucian's ears—a soft, almost melodic whisper that seemed to come from all directions at once.

"Do you hear that?" Lyra asked, her voice barely audible.

Lucian nodded. "Stay close. Don't listen to it."

The whispers grew louder, intertwining with the creaking of branches and the rustling of leaves. Words began to form in the noise, indistinct but enticing.

"Lucian…" The voice was soft, feminine, and achingly familiar.

He froze, his hand tightening around his sword hilt. It was impossible, yet the voice was unmistakable.

"Amara," he muttered, his teeth clenched.

Lyra placed a hand on his arm. "What's wrong?"

"She's here," Lucian said, his voice filled with equal parts anger and unease.

Before anyone could respond, the whispers coalesced into a chilling laugh. The shadows ahead shifted, and a figure emerged from the darkness.

Amara stood before them, her crimson gown almost glowing against the blackened trees. Her eyes gleamed with amusement as she regarded Lucian and his companions.

"You've wandered far from your path, my love," she said, her voice smooth and mocking.

Lucian stepped forward, his blade drawn. "Enough games, Amara. What do you want?"

She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Isn't it obvious? I want you, Lucian. I always have."

Lyra moved to stand beside him, her dagger at the ready. "You'll have to go through me first."

Amara's smile widened. "Oh, darling, I wouldn't dream of hurting you. You're far too entertaining."

Selene stepped forward, her expression unreadable. "And what about me, Amara? Do I amuse you too?"

For the first time, Amara's smile faltered. Her gaze shifted to Selene, and something unspoken passed between them.

"So, you're still clinging to him," Amara said, her tone colder now. "I wonder… does he know the truth?"

Lucian's eyes narrowed. "What truth?"

Selene's jaw tightened, but she said nothing.

Amara laughed again, the sound echoing through the forest. "Oh, how delicious. I'll let her tell you when she's ready. For now, consider this a warning, my love. The Council isn't your only enemy. Trust no one—not even those closest to you."

With a wave of her hand, the shadows enveloped her, and she vanished as suddenly as she had appeared.

The group stood in silence, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air.

"Let's keep moving," Lucian said finally, his voice hard. "We can't let her shake us."

As they continued through the forest, Lucian couldn't help but glance at Selene. Her silence spoke volumes, and he knew Amara's words had struck a nerve.

But whatever secrets Selene was hiding, he would uncover them in time. For now, his focus was on survival—and the growing realization that the true battle was only just beginning.