"'The Primordial Villain is to be classified as a force equivalent to an entire hostile nation, a singular force capable of bringing ruin to the Vraven Kingdom on his own,' King Alexios decreed."
The group fell silent.
Ria's last words hung between them with a weight none of them could brush aside. Even the breeze seemed to hesitate.
It was Iris who broke the stillness.
"The fun is over."
That was all she said.
The girls understood. Their faces shifted at the same pace. First the shared look, then the quiet nod.
'It's time to go back to Quinlan. He needs us. Our journey ends here.'
No one argued.
Ria lowered the imaginary newspaper. Her grin faded. She looked ahead, squinting at the path. A second passed. Then another.
Her posture stiffened.
"Hold on…" she whispered. "Something's ahead."
The rest straightened instantly.
"Stay close."
They fell into formation without thinking.
"What do you sense?" Iris asked, squinting but sensing nothing.
