I must not be consumed by the sword.
That was the first lesson Lycan drilled into me, over and over.
A swordsman who forgets himself the moment the blade leaves its sheath is already half-dead.
I let out a slow breath and raised my head again, repeating his words in my mind to steady myself.
The appearance of that bear…
It wasn't coincidence.
If a monster shows up this close, it means we've wandered into its territory—and where there's territory, there's a den.
I scanned the dark forest again, letting my eyes adjust.
There.
A cliff, barely visible through the trees.
"Elena, this way," I said, keeping my voice low.
We walked toward it slowly, carefully, my aura lamp casting a faint glow across the jagged rock face.
And just as expected… there it was.
A cave.
Wide enough for something as large as that bear, sheltered, and positioned high enough to avoid ground moisture. Anyone could tell it was a perfect den.
"Stay close," I whispered.
