The trip to the Sanctum was exhausting and time-consuming. Unspoken secrets seemed to be alive in the woodland surrounding Zara and Elias. Zara gripped the pendant harder with each tree rustle, its dim illumination her only solace amid the encroaching darkness.
With his blade out, Elias strode forward. His jaw was clenched in concern, and he was silent.
"What are you thinking about?" Zara asked quietly.
He did not turn around. "The animal. What happened to it if it was ever human? More significantly, is it possible that we will experience that?
The idea made Zara shudder. "I am not sure. But I am not going to give up just yet.
At last, Elias's face softened as he looked at her. "Zara, I will not allow anything to happen to you. Regardless.
She gave a small smile. "Remember, we defend one another?"
The Initial Indication
They arrived at a clearing after several hours. A huge stone archway, adorned with antiquated sculptures that gleamed dimly in the moonlight, stood in the middle.
Elia
