CHAPTER 224
The layout of the densed forest was an unforgiving wound in the side of the mountain, choked with black ice and dead briars that clawed at Isabella's dark cloak as she took the lead.
Her boots barely left an imprint on the unstable frost. Behind her, the crunch of Aleric's steps followed, his massive frame bent forward under the dead weight of Miss Sabrina, whom he carried securely against his back.
They moved slowly, deliberately keeping their profiles low against the steep stone walls to avoid drawing the attention of the reality-shredding weapon whistling over the upper ridges.
Every step was a calculation. Every breath was heavily choked with the bitter scent of falling ash.
Isabella's eyes were hyper-focused, the brilliant gold of her irises scanning the tree lines ahead for any sign of ambush.
