BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 23: Shadows in the Wild (Part 2)

The forest was eerily silent after the beast's death. The usual sounds of insects and rustling leaves had vanished, leaving only the crackling of their small fire and the steady, labored breathing of the unconscious merchant.

Kael's eyes scanned the surroundings. The attack had confirmed his suspicion—this area wasn't safe. If one mana-infused beast was lurking, there could be more.

"We can't stay here," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "This was just a scouting predator. If there's a pack, they'll come looking for it soon."

Rivain sheathed his sword and crouched near the merchant. "He's too weak to move far. If we travel all night, he might not make it."

Kael exhaled. A choice needed to be made.

Stay and risk another attack.

Move and risk worsening the merchant's condition.

Neither option was ideal.

His mind raced through possible solutions. Then, his Arcane Sigil pulsed softly in his mind.

System Alert: "Temporary Shelter Detected"

Distance: 1.3 miles north-east

Kael turned his gaze in that direction. "There's a place nearby. A shelter."

Rivain raised an eyebrow. "How do you—" He sighed, shaking his head. "Never mind. If it gets us out of this clearing, I'll take it."

Kael knelt beside the merchant, pressing a hand against his chest. His breathing was shallow but steady. Using Crimson Sigil to carry him would burn through too much mana. He needed another way.

New Rune Available: "Silent Step"

Kael's eyes flickered. The Silent Step rune wasn't just for movement—it could reduce weight distribution, making carrying someone easier.

He quickly inscribed the rune on his legs, feeling a subtle shift in balance. With careful movements, he lifted the merchant onto his back. Lighter than expected.

"Let's go," he said.

They moved swiftly through the undergrowth, the moon barely illuminating the path ahead. Kael led the way, his senses heightened, scanning for movement.

Rivain stayed close behind, watching their flanks.

Fifteen minutes later, the terrain changed. The trees thinned, revealing a partially collapsed wooden structure nestled between large boulders.

"A hunting outpost," Rivain muttered, stepping forward. "Abandoned, but stable enough."

Kael carefully set the merchant down inside, covering him with his cloak.

"We'll rest here for the night," he decided. "At first light, we head for the main road."

Rivain sat by the entrance, blade resting on his lap. "You think that thing was natural?"

Kael shook his head. "No. Someone enhanced it."

Rivain frowned. "Which means someone knew we'd be passing through."

A heavy silence settled between them.

This wasn't a simple escort mission anymore. Someone had planned this.

Kael leaned back against the wooden wall, eyes narrowing. He had too many unanswered questions—but one thing was certain.

This mission had just become much more dangerous.