The forest did not belong to either land.
It sat between Aethros and Nyvoria like a thing forgotten too dense for armies, too quiet for comfort. Tall trees blocked the sky, their roots twisting through the ground like old scars. Even soldiers avoided it when they could.
Which was why Kael was there.
His unit had been sent ahead to scout supply paths. No banners. No torches. Just quiet movement and watchful eyes. Kael walked at the front, one hand raised, slowing the others when the forest grew too still.
Something was wrong.
He felt it before he heard it.
A branch snapped.
"Down," Kael whispered.
The world exploded into motion.
Arrows flew from between the trees. Not reckless. Controlled. Defensive. Kael drew his blade just in time to deflect one aimed at his chest. His soldiers reacted quickly, spreading out instead of charging.
Nyvoria.
Kael stepped forward, blade low, eyes scanning the shadows. "Hold," he ordered his men. "Do not rush."
From the trees, soldiers emerged. Calm. Disciplined. Weapons ready but not raised to kill.
At their center stood Lunara.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
This time, there was no smoke. No screaming. No chaos to hide behind. Just the quiet of the forest and the sound of breathing.
"You again," Lunara said.
Kael did not pretend he didn't recognize her. "You hold this ground."
"We protect it," she replied. "You shouldn't be here."
"Neither should you."
Her gaze flicked briefly to his soldiers, then back to him. "Turn back. This path won't take you where you think."
Kael hesitated.
Behind him, his men waited. Watching him. Judging.
"We're not here to burn anything," Kael said. "Just to see."
Lunara studied his face as if looking for a lie. If she found one, she didn't show it.
"Then see," she said. "And leave."
The wind moved through the trees. Leaves rustled softly, like whispered warnings.
Kael lowered his blade.
"So this is how Nyvoria fights now?" he asked. "In silence?"
Lunara's expression hardened. "We fight so our people can sleep."
For a brief second, something unspoken passed between them. Understanding. Or maybe just recognition.
Then one of Kael's soldiers shifted his footing.
The sound was enough.
Lunara raised her hand. Her soldiers tensed.
Kael lifted his own. "Stand down."
No one moved.
Finally, Lunara stepped back. "Next time," she said, "the forest won't be this patient."
Kael nodded once. "Neither will I."
They withdrew in opposite directions, never turning their backs.
Only when the trees swallowed her form did Kael realize his hand was still clenched tightly around his sword.