Chapter 7: The Hunters’ Pursuit

The group didn’t linger. As they moved deeper into the forest, the leader’s words weighed heavily on Zeryn. A war? Against whom? She had barely begun to understand her powers, and now the world was already closing in on her.

“Keep up,” the green-eyed figure snapped as Zeryn lagged behind.

“I’m trying,” Zeryn shot back, her exhaustion making her irritable. “Not all of us are used to running for our lives.”

“Enough,” the leader said, his voice sharp. “Both of you.”

Zeryn bit back a retort, but her frustration simmered. She didn’t trust these people, least of all the green-eyed figure, but she had no other choice.

They reached a rocky outcrop overlooking a valley shrouded in mist. The leader motioned for them to stop, his gaze scanning the horizon.

“They’re close,” he said quietly.

“Who?” Zeryn asked, her heart racing.

“The Hunters,” he replied. “Trained to track and kill Eclipseborn. They’ll stop at nothing to capture you.”

Zeryn’s stomach churned. She had seen a glimpse of what her pursuers were capable of when they attacked her aunt’s home. The thought of facing them again was terrifying.

The green-eyed figure stepped forward, drawing two curved daggers from their belt. “Let them come,” they said, a feral grin spreading across their face.

The leader ignored them, turning to Zeryn. “Stay close to me. Do exactly as I say.”

Before Zeryn could respond, the first arrow streaked through the air, embedding itself in a tree trunk inches from her head.

“Move!” the leader barked, shoving her behind him.

The forest erupted into chaos as figures clad in dark armor emerged from the mist, their weapons gleaming in the faint light. The Hunters moved with precision, their every step calculated.

Zeryn’s instincts screamed at her to run, but the leader grabbed her arm. “No. Stand your ground. Use your power.”

“I don’t know how!” she cried, panic rising in her chest.

“You do,” he said, his voice steady despite the chaos. “You’ve already done it. Trust yourself.”

Another arrow flew past, and Zeryn ducked, her hands trembling. The shadows around her stirred, responding to her fear. She clenched her fists, focusing on the flicker of power deep within her.

The Hunters advanced, their weapons raised. The leader stepped forward, drawing a black-bladed sword that seemed to hum with energy. The green-eyed figure leaped into the fray, their daggers flashing as they engaged the enemy.

Zeryn stood frozen, the world around her a blur of movement and sound. Then a Hunter charged toward her, their blade aimed at her heart.

“Zeryn!” the leader shouted.

Something snapped inside her. The shadows surged, wrapping around the Hunter and lifting them off the ground. They struggled, their weapon falling from their grasp as the darkness tightened its grip.

Zeryn gasped, releasing the shadows, and the Hunter crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

The leader gave her a nod of approval. “Good. Now