The forest lay heavy with the scent of smoke and scorched earth. Serelyth hovered above the remnants of the battle, claws carefully tracing the edges of the debris. With a controlled exhalation of fire, she incinerated broken weapons, shattered shields, and the last of the enemy's dark runes. Flames danced briefly before fading into glowing embers, leaving no trace of their clash.
Lira crouched near a small stream, rinsing her hands and face, feeling the cool water wash away sweat and blood. Renkai was carefully checking his weapons, sharpening his blades with methodical precision. Thalanir, ever vigilant, scanned the surrounding forest, his eyes sweeping the shadows for movement, for any hint that another wave could be approaching.
"We can't stay here," Lira said quietly, looking at the clearing. "If there are more of them, they'll know something's wrong if this area is too clean. They'll come looking."
