Chapter 64: Death lurks again

POV: Giovanni and his band

As Giovanni and his group tried to move away, their footsteps barely crunched on the carpet of dead leaves. The air was heavy, laden with an invisible threat that seemed to seep into their bones. Their breath came in short, irregular gasps, not only from running, but also from the oppressive sensation that enveloped them.

Malia was casting panicked glances over her shoulder, trying to discern their pursuers in the shifting darkness of the forest. Orwen, bow in hand, kept an arrow notched, ready to shoot at the slightest shadow.

- Faster... Giovanni breathed through clenched teeth.

His legs were already burning, but he ignored the pain. They had to put as much distance as possible between themselves and this legion of darkness.

But they weren't fast enough.

A gut-wrenching howl sounded at their backs, followed by the distinct sound of breaking branches. Giovanni felt his stomach knot. They were gaining on us.