Elves suddenly came into view, appearing right in front of Byung and the dwarf as if materializing from thin air itself. One moment the forest clearing was empty, the next it was occupied by a figure whose presence made the air itself feel heavier. The elf they had managed to escape underground had caught up with them, her violet eyes burning with cold fury, silver-gold hair catching the dying sunlight like precious metal.
Byung looked visibly distressed by this development, his enhanced senses screaming danger as he took an involuntary step backward. His hand moved instinctively toward the bone dagger at his belt, though he knew deep down that conventional weapons would be useless against someone who commanded magic.
The dwarf, however, seemed almost resigned rather than surprised. He stopped his cautious advance and turned to face the elf directly, his red eyes meeting her violet gaze without flinching.
