Chapter 144: Chapter 144: Beyond the Shadows

Elara led her team through the dense, twisted paths of the Blackwood Forest, the air growing colder and more oppressive with each step. The forest was a labyrinth of dark trees and thick underbrush, designed to disorient and trap intruders. But Elara's determination was unwavering. She knew every second counted; Ethan and his team were buying them precious time with their lives.

"Stay close and keep your wits about you," Elara whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves and distant roars of battle.

Her team moved silently, their senses heightened by the danger that lurked in every shadow. At the forefront were Lyra, a skilled tracker with an uncanny ability to navigate even the most treacherous terrains, and Joren, a formidable warrior whose strength and loyalty were unmatched.

"This way," Lyra signaled, pointing to a barely visible path that seemed to lead deeper into the forest.