**Chapter 25 — The Breaking Point**
The storm had turned vicious by the time they left the ruined cabin.
Rain lashed sideways, turning the ground into sucking mud. Lightning cracked overhead, illuminating the violet-tinged trees in harsh, blinding flashes. Liora ran beside Cairis, her lungs burning, clothes plastered to her body. Every step sent jolts of pain through her exhausted legs, but she refused to slow down.
Behind them, Nyxara's forces were closing in.
Howls echoed through the trees — not just void wraiths, but something worse. Demonic hounds with glowing red eyes and acidic saliva that hissed when it hit the ground.
Cairis gripped her hand tightly, pulling her forward whenever she stumbled. His side wound had reopened during the escape, leaving a dark trail of blood behind them.
"We can't keep running like this," Liora gasped. "They're too fast."
