Volume 43
Writer: Sabbir Ahmed
Chapter 5: The Ravine Path
They didn't stop running until Lina's lungs burned.
The forest thinned as the ground sloped sharply downward. Ahead, the land split open into a wide ravine, its depths hidden by rolling mist. A narrow stone bridge arched across it, ancient and cracked, barely wide enough for two people side by side.
Kael slowed, gripping Lina's arm. "This is the only crossing."
Behind them, the horns sounded again—closer now. Shadows flickered between the trees.
"I don't like this," Lina said, staring at the bridge.
"No one does," Kael replied. "That's why it works."
They stepped onto the bridge. Each footfall echoed, the sound unnaturally loud in the fog. Lina's pendant hummed softly, vibrating against her skin as if warning her.
Halfway across, the air changed.
The mist below the bridge began to swirl upward, twisting into long, reaching shapes. Lina froze. "Kael… the fog—"
"I see it," he said sharply. "Keep moving."
The shapes rose higher, brushing the stones. Cold seeped into Lina's legs, draining her strength. Fear clawed at her chest, threatening to pull her backward.
"No," she whispered, forcing herself forward.
The pendant flared.
Silver light spilled from Lina's hands, washing over the bridge. The mist recoiled instantly, shrinking away with a low, angry hiss. The bridge trembled but held.
Kael stared at her in disbelief. "You pushed it back…"
"I didn't think," Lina said, shaking. "I just—felt it."
"That's how it starts," Kael said quietly.
They reached the far side just as dark figures emerged at the ravine's edge. Cloaked Hunters stood in a silent line, watching. One raised an arm—and the bridge cracked down the middle.
Stone collapsed into the mist with a thunderous roar.
Lina gasped. "They destroyed it!"
Kael's expression was grim. "They didn't need it anymore."
A single Hunter stepped forward, lowering its hood just enough for pale eyes to catch the light. Its gaze locked onto Lina, unblinking.
"You cannot hide forever," it called across the ravine.
Lina squared her shoulders, heart pounding. For the first time, she didn't look away.
"Maybe not," she whispered. "But I can learn."
The pendant pulsed once more—steady, certain.
And far beyond the broken bridge, something ancient listened… and smiled.