The team travelled silently, their feet trampling the damp soil in unison, minds focused on the journey ahead as the countdown to their escape drew closer — one more day's journey, maybe even less.
Kymani glanced around as they walked. The road seemed quieter than usual; the familiar chorus of chirping insects and rustling bushes had faded, replaced by the gentle sway of cool air moving through the trees.
"It's awfully quiet today," Kymani broke the silence.
"I was thinking the same thing," Zara added, shutting her eyes briefly. "It almost feels like I can smell ocean salt in the air."
Orea chuckled, glancing her way. "I think you're just excited to be on your way out of here. But… it does feel really peaceful today."
Turning toward Valtor, who remained silent with his eyes fixed ahead, Orea slipped her hand into his. He glanced at her, his expression softening.
"You okay?" she whispered.
He nodded. "This path brings back memories, that's all — times when I was alone out here." A faint smile crossed his face. "A lot has changed since then."
"Mmhmm," Orea murmured, gaze shifting to the road. "A lot did change."
Valtor's smile widened as he watched her. Throwing an arm around her shoulders, he planted a kiss on her forehead before turning to the others.
"So, what were you guys talking about?"
"Oh, so you can see us," Kymani teased. "I was starting to think Orea's the only person visible to you."
Orea let out a shy laugh, while Valtor only shook his head at his antics.
"Sorry," he said, glancing their way "Didn't mean to ignore you guys."
"Sure," Zara shot him a dry look.
"We were talking about how quiet the road is today," Rowynn added. "Do you think it's because we're closer to the water?"
"I'm not so sure about that." Valtor narrowed his eyes. "Lynx, what do you think?"
All gazes shifted to their eldest teammate. His eyes stayed fixed on the ground, his mind clearly far away.
Rowynn noticed first. She tugged gently at his arm.
"Lynx?"
He blinked, startled. "What?" His expression flickered with confusion before smoothing out.
"You alright?" Kymani called from a distance.
"Yeah," Lynx said quickly, straightening up. "I'm fine."
A low, distant hum rose through the air, cutting the conversation short.
Orea's gaze lifted toward the clouds. "Is that…?"
The answer came in the form of sudden rainfall — sharp and steady.
The team glanced around, startled.
"That's different," Zara muttered. "It's never rained in here before."
"Hang on," Orea said. Grey eyes flashed as she raised an arm. Slowly, the thick clouds began to part, the sunlight breaking through once more as the rain came to an abrupt stop.
"That's better," Kymani said, brushing his shoulders as they resumed walking.
Then, without warning, a massive gust of wind surged through the trees, forcing them back several steps.
"What in the—okay, seriously, what's happening?" Kymani shouted over the roar.
It's almost like the forest wants to keep us in," Rowynn shouted, shielding her face as the wind battered against them.
"Not on my watch!" Zara yelled back, thrusting her hands forward. A shimmering wall flared to life in front of the group, deflecting the storm as they pressed on.
Suddenly, the wind roared to life — a violent, ear-deafening surge that tore at the trees and sent debris spiraling through the air.
"Shit!" Valtor gritted his teeth, as he struggled amid the chaos. The group clung to whatever they could, but the force of the storm pushed them helplessly down the path.
Her jaw tightening, Zara expanded her barrier, a glowing purple sphere blooming around them, holding them safer within. Inside, the wind dulled to a muffled roar as the storm continued to drive them forward — whether they liked it or not.
After what felt like an eternity, the winds finally eased, bringing the team to a stop. They crashed to the ground in a tangled heap as Zara's barrier flickered out.
Groans filled the air as they forced themselves upright, stretching out sore limbs and shaking off the ache.
"What… in the world… was that?" Zara panted, looking around. Her question hung unanswered as the others blinked in confusion.
"So much for a peaceful day," Orea muttered, brushing dirt off her clothes.
"Where are we?" Rowynn asked, her hair a wild mess around her face.
Valtor moved past the group, pushing through the wall of foliage ahead. Then he stopped.
"Oh my God," he breathed.
The others rushed to his side in urgency, then froze.
"We're here," Valtor said quietly.
Before them stretched a wide expanse of sea-blue water, glittering under the sun. It's waves calm and endless.
"It's beautiful," Kymani whispered, and Rowynn nodded wordlessly beside him.
"We made it," Orea murmured, leaning her head against Valtor's shoulder. He rested his cheek gently against hers, eyes fixed on the horizon.