Chapter 69: The Voracious Tree

Escape was a nightmare.

Branches whipped across their skin, scratching their flesh like invisible fangs. Treacherous roots tried to topple them with every step. The air was saturated with an almost palpable tension, heavy and oppressive. Each breath seemed to steal a fraction of the time they had left before they were caught.

Foster didn't need to look back. He could feel the threat closing in on them, implacable. The eight presences he'd sensed were drawing ever closer, swift and relentless, tracing a trail of destruction through the forest. Behind them, the Obscurus advanced in relentless waves, their unhealthy murmur mingling with the sounds of the woods.

- We can't lose them like that!" shouted Köflik, his voice almost covered by the din of their race.

- We can't fight them here! replied Kassandra, casting a worried glance behind her.