章 83: Whispers of the Forgotten

Heizen leaned heavily against the ancient tree, exhaustion clinging to him like a shadow. The illusion spell had worked, but at a steep cost. His magic reserves were nearly depleted, and his body felt the strain of maintaining the barrier for so long. The swirling energy of the forest seemed to pulse in time with his own heartbeat, slow and labored. Luna stood beside him, her posture tense but alert, scanning their surroundings for any sign of the winged creatures that had been hunting them moments earlier.

"We can't stay here," Luna said quietly, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Those things will come back once they realize we've disappeared."

Heizen nodded weakly. "Just... give me a moment."