Price for survival

Morning came, but it brought no comfort. The light filtering through the treetops did little to chase away the oppressive weight lingering in the air.

Leo was resting—for now. His breathing had steadied, his expression no longer twisted with pain. But I wasn't fooled. The crystal was holding the remnant at bay, but it wasn't a solution. It was a patch on a leaking dam.

"Professor."

Mira's voice was quiet, but her tone carried a weight that pulled me out of my thoughts.

I turned to see her standing near the treeline, her expression tight. Julien stood beside her, his jaw clenched, eyes scanning the forest with sharp focus.

"Something's wrong," she murmured.

"Define 'wrong,'" I said softly, already moving toward them.

"Quiet," Julien muttered, his grip tightening on his sword.

"Too quiet," Mira added, her fingers brushing the hilt of her dagger.

I frowned, stretching my senses outward.

They were right.