The figure on the opposite bank was tall and imposing, its eyes fixed intently on Lyra and Kaida. Lyra could feel its malevolent gaze like a cold breeze on the back of her neck.
"We need to move," Kaida said, her voice low and urgent. "That one's not alone. We can hear the others closing in."
Lyra nodded, and together they sprinted across the valley, the minion's eyes fixed on them like a predator's. As they ran, Lyra could feel the ground beneath her feet, the pounding of her heart in her chest. She was scared, but she was also determined to protect herself and Kaida.
They reached the trees and burst through the underbrush, Kaida leading the way. Lyra followed, her senses on high alert as they dodged branches and leapt over roots. The minion's cries echoed through the forest, and Lyra knew they were gaining on them.
Suddenly, Kaida veered sharply to the left, and Lyra followed, her heart pounding in her chest. They burst through a thicket of brambles and found themselves at the edge of a clearing.
In the center of the clearing stood an ancient tree, its trunk twisted and gnarled with age. Kaida sprinted toward it, Lyra close behind. As they reached the tree, Kaida spun around, her eyes fixed on the edge of the clearing.
"We need to hide," Kaida whispered. "The minions will be here any moment."
Lyra nodded, and together they pressed themselves against the trunk of the tree, holding their breath as the minions burst into the clearing. The minions fanned out, their eyes scanning the area. Lyra held her breath, praying that they wouldn't be seen.
But as the minions drew closer, Lyra's heart sank. They were going to be discovered. She could feel the minions' eyes on them, sense their malevolent intent.
Just as all hope seemed lost, Kaida reached out and touched the trunk of the tree. The tree seemed to shudder, and then its bark began to shift and flow like liquid. Lyra watched in amazement as the tree's bark enveloped them, hiding them from view.
The minions drew closer, their eyes scanning the area. Lyra held her breath, praying that they wouldn't be discovered. But the minions seemed to be looking right through them, their eyes fixed on some point beyond.
After what felt like an eternity, the minions gave up and retreated, leaving Lyra and Kaida alone in the clearing. Kaida let out a breath and stepped back, her eyes locked on Lyra's.
"That was close," Kaida said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lyra nodded, her heart still racing from the encounter. "What just happened?" she asked, her eyes fixed on the tree.
"The tree is ancient," Kaida explained. "It has powers that allow it to protect us. But we can't stay here for long. The minions will be back, and next time, they won't be so easy to shake."
Lyra nodded, her mind racing with questions. What other dangers lay ahead? How would they survive this journey?
As they stood there, Lyra felt a sense of unease. She knew that they couldn't stay hidden forever. The minions would find them, and they would have to face them head-on.
"What's the plan?" Lyra asked, her voice firm.
Kaida's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, Lyra saw a glimmer of determination there. "We'll keep moving," Kaida said. "We'll find a way to throw the minions off our trail and make our way to the Heartwood Forest."
Lyra nodded, feeling a sense of resolve wash over her. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as Kaida was by her side.
As they set off once more, Lyra felt a sense of trepidation. She knew that the journey ahead would be fraught with danger, but she was determined to see it through.