Chapter 97: Lurking Trouble

As the dust settled from the battle with the demon, Ziva, Rorik, and Lyra lay still on the ground. The forest was quiet, save for the sound of their labored breathing.

Slowly, they began to stir. Ziva opened her eyes and sat up, wincing in pain as she did so. She looked around and saw that Rorik and Lyra were also starting to come around.

As they regained their senses, they realized that the demon was no longer there. It had vanished, leaving no trace behind.

Ziva stood up and surveyed the damage that had been wrought. The trees and plants in the area were still sickly and withered, but the acrid smell in the air had dissipated. And most importantly, the demon was gone.

Ziva turned to Rorik and Lyra, a look of relief and gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you," she said simply.

Rorik and Lyra nodded in acknowledgment, but they were too exhausted and injured to speak.

Ziva helped them to their feet and they began to make their way back to their den. As they walked, they passed by the other