Chapter 23 A Trail Of Ashes

• The forest was eerily silent as Celeste, Rafael, and Rowan moved swiftly through the dense undergrowth. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of Darian’s betrayal pressing down on them. Though they had anticipated it, the reality of being hunted by someone who had once been one of their own made the air thick with unease.
• Rafael led the way, his senses sharp, scanning the terrain for any sign of a trap. Rowan followed closely, his movements precise, always watching their backs. Celeste remained between them, her mind battling the growing frustration within her. She had trusted Darian. They all had. And now, because of that trust, they were fleeing into uncertainty.
• Hours passed, the morning light filtering through the trees as they maneuvered through the rough terrain. The sound of rushing water signaled a river ahead, a natural barrier that could slow down any pursuers.