Kael stepped out of the Sanctuary first, checking the area.
Lira held onto his arm, still tired but walking on her own.
The forest looked normal at first—quiet trees, soft sunlight, birds in the distance.
But Kael felt something wrong.
Very wrong.
"Lira," he whispered, "stay close."
Lira nodded. "Kael… I feel pressure in the air."
He felt it too.
A heavy force… like someone strong was nearby.
They walked a few more steps—
—and metal boots stepped out from behind the trees.
One knight.
Then two.
Then ten.
All wearing red armor with black symbols on their chests.
Lira's eyes widened.
"The Blood Oath Knights…"
Kael moved in front of her immediately.
The leader of the knights pointed his blade at them.
"You two… step forward."
Kael didn't move.
"Not happening."
The knight tightened his grip on the sword.
"We know who you are. The Emperor wants the girl alive. The boy is optional."
Lira's heart dropped.
"Optional…?"
It meant they didn't care if Kael died.
Kael's shadows rose slightly around his feet.
He didn't attack, but he looked ready.
"You're not taking her," he said.
The knight scoffed.
"You don't get to choose."
The knights slowly surrounded them, forming a full circle.
Lira grabbed Kael's hand tightly.
"Kael… there are too many."
Kael whispered quietly, "I know."
His eyes scanned every knight, every angle.
He could fight one.
Maybe two.
But not all.
And Lira was not strong enough yet.
The leader lifted his sword toward Lira.
"Surrender now. Do not resist."
Lira pressed closer to Kael.
"Kael… the bond feels heavier. My magic is reacting."
Kael's grip tightened on her hand.
"It's letting us know we're in danger."
The knight stepped forward again.
"Last warning."
Kael lowered his voice.
"Lira… when I move, you move with me."
"But—"
"No arguing."
Lira nodded, breath shaking.
Kael took a slow step back, putting his body between her and the knights.
The knights stepped forward too.
The leader raised his sword—
—but then froze.
A sharp crack sounded from behind the trees.
Everyone turned.
A long, cold gust of wind swept across the forest.
Lira grabbed Kael's arm.
"That… doesn't feel normal."
Kael stared into the dark line of trees.
Something moved.
Not a knight.
Not a beast.
A tall figure stepped out… wearing a familiar metal mask.
Lira gasped softly.
"The Seer…"
But Kael knew by the way the knights reacted—
This wasn't the same Seer who helped them.
This one's aura was different.
Colder.
Stronger.
Dangerous.
The knights instantly formed a new formation.
The leader shouted:
"Second Seer of the Silent Order—this is OUR capture! Stay out of it!"
The masked figure didn't answer.
He just raised one hand.
The wind shifted sharply.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"…He's not here for them," Kael whispered.
Lira looked up at him.
"Then why is he here?"
The masked figure finally spoke in a low, calm voice:
"The Devourer is close."
Every knight froze.
Kael felt a chill crawl up his spine.
Lira's heartbeat quickened.
The masked Seer pointed at Kael and Lira.
"If you want to live… follow me."
Kael and Lira exchanged a shocked look.
The Blood Oath Knights raised their weapons.
The Seer raised his hand again.
And the forest began to shake.
The hunt had just changed.