The journey to the border was a blur of speed and anxiety.
Leona pushed the frost-horses to their absolute limit, their hooves thundering against the ancient, moss-covered road. The deeper they went into the forest, the heavier the air became.
It wasn't just mana; it was killing intent.
"We're close," Lyra said, her hand gripping her bow so tight her knuckles were white.
"The Outer Perimeter is just ahead. If the Twilight Association has pushed this far, the guards will be on a hair-trigger."
Damien nodded, checking his condition.
[Mana: 80%. Aura: 90%. Dual-Core Stability: 20%.]
'I can fight if I have to,' Damien thought, his eyes narrowing.
'But fighting the Elves right now would be stupid. I need them to trust me, not try to kill me.'
"Isabelle," Damien said. "Keep your hood up. Do not use your gravity unless I say so. Your energy signature is exactly what they are hunting."
