Chapter 43: Another Threat
The air in the Purgatory was dry and heavy, carrying with it the scent of scorched bones and charred silence. Ash drifted lazily in the air like dying snow.
Sybil led the exhausted group of witches and the rest of the Guardians, their robes torn and stained with dirt and dried blood. Their potions were gone.
Their stamina was drained. But their will—their will hadn't cracked just yet.
"We should've found Zayne by now," muttered one of the witches behind her, panting between each word.
"We've walked for hours..."
Sybil didn't look back. Her voice, though tired, was firm. "We'll find him. We're not giving up now."
With that, the group split into trios, fanning out across the twisted paths and ridges of Purgatory.
Sharp rocks jutted from the ground like broken teeth, and the ground shifted like it resented their footsteps.
Somewhere in the distance, a scream cut through the stillness.
"AY—I FOUND HIM!"
The call echoed, snatching everyone's attention.