Chapter 14 - Into the Forbidden Forest
The secret passage led Mara and Vance deep into the heart of the Whispering Woods—a vast, ancient forest north of the capital where ancient magic still lingered.
Rain poured down in sheets, soaking through Mara’s cloak as they rode a single warhorse through the muddy, treacherous paths. Vance kept one hand on the reins and his eyes scanning the pitch-black tree line.
"Where are we going?" Mara asked over the sound of thunder.
"To the Old Garrison," Vance replied, his voice tense. "My most loyal knights are stationed there. If we can hold out until the Eclipse passes, Malakor’s dark ritual will fail, and we can launch a counter-attack."
Suddenly, an arrow whistled through the dark air, striking the horse’s front leg! The horse screamed, buckling forward and throwing Mara and Vance into the mud.
Mara gasped for air, scrambling up just as a dozen dark figures emerged from the shadows of the trees.
Stepping out from behind a massive ancient oak was Lady Celeste. She wore a cloak of black velvet, her hands glowing with a faint, corrupted purple light. Beside her stood a tall, sinister figure in dark robes—the High Alchemist of the Obsidian Brotherhood.
"Did you really think you could run from me, cousin?" Celeste laughed, a sound cold enough to freeze blood. "Look at you... back in the dirt where you belong."
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Vance scrambled to his feet, unsheathing his sword and standing protectively over Mara despite his bleeding shoulder. "You'll have to go through me first, Celeste."
"Gladly," Celeste sneered, gesturing to her mercenaries. "Kill the guard. Bring the girl alive to the Obsidian Altar."
