Chapter 36: To be Miles Away (+18)
The forest beyond Watch Hill was less threatening—but no more alive.
The branches remained dry, the shadows crept with more intent than the winds, and the sound of their own footsteps seemed to sink into the ground rather than echo. Even with the paladins defeated, there was something in the air. A weight. An expectation. As if the world was waiting to see what the group would do next.
Eren walked ahead, as always. His eyes attentive, yet distant. Since the appearance of the entity called Sylha, his focus seemed divided.
The mind operated on two levels: the immediate tactical plan—protect, analyze, advance—and the deeper one, where doubt lodged like an insect gnawing at the roots of thought.
"She knew my name."
Kaela walked nearby, silent. Her wounds had already healed, but she kept her gaze fixed on the surroundings, wary.
Since the ghost had appeared, her aggressiveness had diminished and perhaps a fear had settled in her. But Eren noticed—she was paying attention to everything. Too much, even.
Morwynn followed them among the branches, in absolute silence, like a shadow stitched to the landscape. And Nyssa... Nyssa walked close to Eren. Almost glued to him.
Her eyes leapt from shadow to shadow, but there was a different concentration in them. As if she sought more than just safety.
When the sky began to darken, Eren raised his hand and pointed to a clearing surrounded by fallen logs and natural stones. A good place to rest. Low visibility. Multiple escape routes.
"Here. Let’s set up camp."
Kaela was already starting to gather branches. Morwynn began weaving a partial cover between the trees. Nyssa stood still for a second, then perked up and slid to the center of the clearing, seeming more excited than usual.