Or maybe not?

The road ahead stretches into the unknown, winding through dense forests and over rolling hills. The sun climbs higher in the sky, casting dappled light through the trees as you, Elvin, and Kira continue your journey. The air is crisp, the sounds of birds and rustling leaves the only accompaniment to your footsteps. Every so often, Kira glances over her shoulder, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. You can tell she’s been on the road for a long time, her instincts sharp and her movements fluid, as though she’s always prepared for the next threat.

For the most part, the journey is peaceful. You and Elvin talk occasionally, mostly about your previous encounters with bandits and other travelers, but Kira stays quiet, her eyes always scanning the path ahead. She seems like someone who’s seen a lot, and though she’s not unfriendly, there’s an air of mystery about her that you can’t quite shake.

After several hours of walking, you come to a clearing in the woods. A large river cuts through the landscape, its waters sparkling in the afternoon light. The group decides to take a short break, and you all sit down near the riverbank. Elvin rummages through his pack, pulling out some dried meat and fruit. Kira takes a seat on a nearby rock, keeping her bow close at hand, her eyes still scanning the horizon.

“So, where exactly are you headed?” Kira asks, breaking the silence.

You look over at Elvin, who seems a little hesitant to answer. “We’re headed to the city of Lysandra,” you reply. “It’s supposed to be a place of safety… but I’ve heard rumors about things happening there. Strange happenings, whispers of dark magic.”

Kira raises an eyebrow at the mention of dark magic, but says nothing. She simply nods, as though she understands more than she’s letting on. “Lysandra, huh? That’s where the rumors are thickest. I’ve heard the same. There’s something in the air about that place. It’s dangerous.”

“That’s why we need to get there quickly,” Elvin adds, his expression serious. “If what we’ve heard is true, things are getting worse every day.”

You glance over at Kira, wondering what she knows. “Do you know anything about what’s going on in Lysandra?”

Kira looks down at the ground for a moment, as though weighing her words. “I’ve been in the area before. People are scared, but not everyone’s willing to talk about it. Whatever’s going on there, it’s old magic. The kind that’s been buried for centuries. And it’s starting to resurface.”

Your curiosity grows. “Old magic? You think it has something to do with the city’s past?”

She nods slowly. “I do. There are ancient forces at work, and they’re waking up. But whether that’s a good or bad thing… that’s still unclear.”

Before you can ask more, the sound of rustling bushes catches your attention. Elvin’s hand instinctively reaches for his sword, and Kira tenses, her fingers brushing the arrow quiver at her side. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up as you instinctively reach for your bow.

A figure steps out of the bushes—a cloaked man, tall and lean, with a scar running down the side of his face. He holds up his hands in a gesture of peace, his expression unreadable.

“Easy now,” he says, his voice gravelly but calm. “I’m not here to fight.”

Elvin narrows his eyes, but Kira’s posture softens slightly. “Who are you?” she asks, her voice steady but cautious.

The man gives a small bow. “My name is Arian. I’ve been following you for some time.”

Arian’s words catch you off guard. You glance at Elvin, who looks just as surprised. “Following us? Why?”

Arian’s eyes flicker to Kira, then back to you. “I’ve been looking for someone. Someone who can help. And I think you’re the ones.”

Kira’s brow furrows. “Help with what?”

Arian hesitates, clearly choosing his words carefully. “There’s something coming. Something worse than what you can imagine. The magic rising in Lysandra—it’s only the beginning. There are others… darker things. Things that have been sealed away for millennia. And they’re starting to break free.”

You exchange a look with Elvin and Kira. There’s a tension in the air, something almost tangible.

“So what exactly are you asking of us?” Elvin demands, his hand still on his sword.

Arian straightens up, meeting each of your eyes. “I’m not asking for anything… yet. But I’m warning you. If you’re headed to Lysandra, you need to be prepared. The magic there, it’s not just dangerous—it’s alive. And it’s watching you.”

Before you can respond, a low growl echoes from the woods. Something large and menacing moves just beyond the trees. Arian’s expression darkens, and Kira stands quickly, drawing an arrow.

“That’s no animal,” she mutters. “Stay alert.”

The growl grows louder, and suddenly a hulking shape emerges from the shadows of the trees. It’s a massive creature, its eyes glowing with an eerie, unnatural light. Its body is covered in dark, matted fur, and its teeth glisten as it snarls at you.

Elvin pulls out his sword, stepping in front of you. “Get ready!”

The creature growls again, taking a step forward, its claws scraping against the earth. It’s fast, its muscles rippling beneath its fur as it prepares to charge.

Arian looks at the creature with narrowed eyes. “That’s no simple beast. It’s been twisted by dark magic.”

Kira draws her bow, nocking an arrow, but the creature’s speed catches you all off guard. Before anyone can react, it lunges.

Time seems to slow as the creature’s claws swipe toward you. You barely manage to dodge, rolling to the side just in time. Elvin clashes with the creature’s massive arm, his sword barely able to block the blow.

Arian steps forward, his hands glowing faintly with magic. He mutters something under his breath, and the air seems to shimmer. A burst of energy shoots out from his hands, hitting the creature square in the chest. It staggers back, howling in pain.

“Get back!” Arian shouts, stepping forward and unleashing another blast of magic.

Kira fires her arrow, hitting the creature in the side. The beast lets out a deafening roar and charges at her. But Elvin is quicker. He lunges forward, his sword slicing through the air with a precise strike. The blade sinks into the creature’s shoulder, and it howls again, retreating into the woods.

It disappears as quickly as it arrived, leaving only the sound of its retreating footsteps behind.

The group stands there, catching their breath. Elvin wipes sweat from his brow, his sword still in hand. Kira lowers her bow, her expression tense. Arian steps back, his hands still crackling with faint magical energy.

“What was that?” you ask, trying to steady your heart.

Arian exhales, looking towards the woods where the creature vanished. “A guardian of sorts. Twisted by dark forces. There’s more of them. And they’ll keep coming.”

You exchange uneasy glances with Elvin and Kira. This journey is turning out to be far more dangerous than you ever imagined.

“Looks like we’re in this together now,” Kira says, her voice steely and resolute.

Arian nods. “Indeed. And if you’re headed to Lysandra, you’ll need to be ready for whatever comes next.”