The morning fog had barely lifted when we moved out from the ridge. The forest was quiet, deceptively calm, but I could feel the tension in the air, like the trees themselves were holding their breath. Every step forward made my heart pound, not from fear, but from anticipation. I knew the enemy was waiting, and I could sense the faint pulse of the outer seals, trembling like nerves beneath the earth. Fenrir walked beside me, his hand brushing mine occasionally in a subtle, grounding gesture. I did not pull away. I could feel his elven magic seeping through him, clean, strong, a protective force that made my aura settle slightly. I could feel the power of the seals pulling at me, faint, almost teasing, as if testing the boundaries of my control. Marcus was ahead, leading the group with calm authority. Celina, Ronan, Jace, and Theo flanked him, each moving like shadows, silent but deadly. Winter and Oragon hovered slightly behind us, wards ready, spells prepared, their eyes sca
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