Chapter 21: The Massacre Of Iasora
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Somewhere between daybreak after they had officially introduce themselves to Alyhana during their journey through the shortcut, the trees grew denser and older. Their bark twisted, and the branches above tangled so tightly the sky was nearly blocked out. Mist curled low at their ankles as they trekked...it was cold and damp as swamp water. Xander shivered and pulled his cloak tighter.
Alyhana walked ahead of the group, but every few seconds, she’d glance over her shoulder at him. Quick flicks of her gaze like she wasn’t sure if she was just staring or judging him.
He frowned. "What?"
Alyhana squeaked. Actually squeaked. Then spun back around so fast, her hood flew up again and covered her short pink hair and her equally pink cheeks.
"N-nothing!" Her voice was high pitched. "It’s nothing, Kaelhi...sir-I mean, Xander-I mean-"
Xander sighed and looked around. "This place is giving me... graveyard vibes."
’Like some horror movie shit.’ he thought.
"You’re not wrong," Iris said grimly. "It feels like something died here. I’ve never believed in ghosts but considering all that has happened...i wouldn’t be surprised if this place was haunted with about twenty-five ghosts."
The mist thickened the farther they went... making the place even creepier. "I’m sorry," Alyhana said quietly, slowing her pace. "This part of the forest wasn’t always like this."
Iris raised an eyebrow. "It wasn’t always seem cursed and horrific?"
Alyhana shook her head. "W-when I was little, this was a sacred grove. The most beautiful in the land, you could see fireflies dance above the roots like tiny stars."