Chapter 339: Beyond The Veil
The group quickly gathered themselves, their eyes scanning the surroundings as they caught their breath. They were in a dense thicket of thorns, the branches twisting and turning around them like a living barrier.
Elara’s mother took the lead, her eyes fixed on a small opening in the thorns. "This way," she said, her voice low and urgent.
The group followed her, their bodies pushing through the thorns as they made their way deeper into the thicket. The thorns seemed to be alive, their branches snatching at the group’s clothes and skin as they pushed through.
Aria gasped as a thorn snagged her arm, her eyes flashing with pain. "This is insane," she said, her voice tight with frustration.
Elara’s mother turned to her, her eyes flashing with determination. "We have to keep moving," she said. "Lyra’s hideout is just ahead."
The group nodded, their faces set with determination. They pushed through the thorns, their bodies battered and bruised as they emerged into a small clearing.
In the center of the clearing stood a small, ramshackle hut, its roof covered in vines and moss. The door was old and worn, but it looked sturdy, and Elara could feel a strange energy emanating from it.
Lyra’s hideout, she thought, her heart pounding with excitement.
Elara’s mother stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the door. "Lyra," she called out, her voice loud and clear. "It’s me, Elena. I’ve brought friends."
The door creaked open, and a woman with piercing green eyes looked out. Her gaze swept over the group, her eyes lingering on Elara’s mother.
"Elena," she said, her voice low and husky. "I thought you were dead."
Elara’s mother smiled, a small, sad smile. "I was," she said. "But I’m back now. And I need your help."