Shadows in the Mist

The wind howled through the valley, carrying with it an eerie whisper that sent shivers down Emma's spine. She tightened her grip on the straps of her backpack as she and Alexander continued moving, their steps quick but careful. The presence behind them had yet to show itself again, but she knew it was there—watching, waiting.

"We need to find shelter before nightfall," Alexander murmured, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. "If that figure is following us, it's better to face them in a controlled space."

Emma nodded, though the thought of confrontation made her uneasy. The last time they had been ambushed, they barely escaped. She didn't want to risk another close call. "Do you think they're from the Abyss?" she asked.

Alexander exhaled slowly. "Maybe. Or they could be someone from the Order testing us. Either way, we can't let our guard down."

The sky was darkening, the setting sun casting long shadows over the rocky terrain. They had ventured far into the Valley of Echoes, and true to its name, every sound seemed to bounce back at them, making it difficult to determine what was real and what was an illusion.

"There," Alexander pointed toward a natural alcove formed between two large boulders. "We'll stay there for the night."

Emma didn't argue. Her legs ached, and her mind was foggy with exhaustion. They reached the alcove and quickly set up a small camp—just enough to rest but not enough to attract attention. Alexander built a small fire, shielding it with stones to keep the flames low. The warmth was a welcome comfort against the chilling night air.

As Emma settled onto the ground, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease. She glanced toward the darkness beyond their camp. "Do you think they'll attack tonight?"

Alexander was silent for a moment before responding. "If they do, they won't find us unprepared. Get some rest. I'll take the first watch."

Emma wanted to protest, but exhaustion won out. She curled up against her backpack, her eyes growing heavy as the fire crackled softly beside her.

---

A sudden noise jerked Emma awake.

Her breath caught in her throat as she sat up, heart pounding. The fire had dimmed, casting only faint flickers of light against the rock walls. Alexander was still beside her, but he was tense, his hand resting on the hilt of his knife.

Then she heard it—a soft rustling, like footsteps on gravel.

Emma's pulse quickened. Someone was out there.

Alexander motioned for her to stay quiet as he rose to his feet. He moved like a shadow, stepping just beyond the firelight, blending into the darkness. Emma swallowed hard, gripping a small dagger she kept in her boot.

A moment of silence stretched on, unbearable in its intensity.

Then, a voice—a whisper carried by the wind. "You should not have come here."

Emma stiffened. The voice was unfamiliar, neither deep nor high, but smooth and calm. It sent chills down her spine.

Alexander didn't respond immediately. He stepped forward, his posture guarded. "Who are you?"

The figure finally emerged from the shadows, stepping into the dim light of their fire. Cloaked in dark robes, the person's face remained hidden beneath a hood. But their presence was undeniable—commanding, dangerous.

"Turn back now," the stranger warned. "The Order will not welcome you."

Emma's grip tightened around her dagger. "We don't have a choice."

The stranger tilted their head slightly. "There is always a choice."

Alexander took a step closer. "We seek answers. If the Order truly holds the knowledge we need, then we will not turn back."

A long silence followed. Then, the stranger exhaled, almost as if amused. "Very well. But do not say you were not warned."

Without another word, the figure turned and melted back into the darkness, disappearing as quickly as they had come.

Emma let out a shaky breath. "What was that?"

Alexander sheathed his knife. "A test. And I think we just passed."