Chapter 84: The Shadow of Pursuit

Emerging from the dark stairway, Heizen and Luna stepped back into the cool forest air. The ancient tree seemed to sigh as its roots curled back into place, concealing the hidden passage they had just discovered. The dense canopy above still held an ominous weight, but the pulsing threat of the winged creatures felt distant now, though Heizen knew that danger was never far behind.

Luna checked her gear, tightening her quiver and adjusting the straps of her bow. "We've bought ourselves a little time, but we can't waste it."

Heizen nodded. "We've got our next target. The Celestial Archive isn't far from here, but it's still hidden deep within the Eastern Territories. If we stay on the move, we can reach it before nightfall in two days."

"And what if those creatures come back?" Luna asked, her eyes darting warily between the trees.