The forest swallowed them whole.
Gnarled trees loomed like skeletal hands, roots coiling and uncoiling like serpents. The air thrummed with malice, leaves rustling in a language Kael couldn't understand. Lyra stumbled beside him, her breaths ragged, her blue-veined hand clamped over her mouth.
"They're close," she whispered. "I can… feel them."
The hunters' footfalls echoed behind them, methodical, unhurried. Gideon's laughter seemed to seep from the bark itself.
Kael's withered hand trembled, the shard's cold bite a constant reminder of the cost. "Stay with me," he growled.
Lyra's eyes flickered blue. "Or what?"
He gripped her arm. "Fight him."
She yanked free. "I'm trying!"
A root lashed out, snaring Kael's ankle. He slashed it with the shard, the severed tendril writhing like a dying worm. Black sap oozed, hissing where it struck the soil.
"This way!" Lyra darted left, weaving through thorned bushes that snapped at their heels.
The ground shifted. Stones became teeth, roots became claws. The forest was alive—and hungry.
A hunter emerged ahead, blade raised. Lyra pivoted, driving her elbow into his throat. He crumpled, armor rusting instantly.
Kael stared. "Since when can you—?"
"Move!" She dragged him forward.
The trees tightened around them, branches knitting a cage. Lyra's veins glowed blue as she slammed her palm against the bark. "Open."
The wood splintered, recoiling. A path tore open.
Kael's chest tightened. "You're using his power."
Lyra's smile was bitter. "It's all I have left."
The hunters' snarls crescendoed. Kael grabbed her hand, plunging into the newfound path. The forest screamed, thorns slashing their backs.
A clearing materialized—a circle of dead trees, their trunks carved with clockwork symbols. At its center stood a stone altar, stained black.
Lyra froze. "No… not here."
Kael's shard hummed. "What is this place?"
"Where he made me." Her voice broke. "Where he carved Lira's soul into this." She gestured to her body.
Gideon's laughter boomed. "Welcome home, Lyra."
The altar glowed, chains snapping toward her.