Unseen Danger

“You should leave this place soon. I’ll guide you… because something really bad is going to happen here..
Strixx fell silent, eyes fixed on her. I took a step closer, starting to worry.
 
“Estheria… what do you mean?”
 
She didn’t answer. Just gave another soft smile--this one a little more distant—and turned away.
 
“Let’s not worry about that right now. If we keep walking, we should reach the forest’s edge in two days.”
 
She started ahead, her cloak swaying behind her. Leaves crunched softly under her steps.
 
I didn’t ask her any further. Some things are better left unsaid.
 
So I followed. Strixx walked beside me, still alert but calm.
 
As we went deeper into the forest, Estheria kept looking back now and then--making sure we were close, making sure we were safe.
 
And somehow, even in that quiet, mysterious place… with her leading the way, it felt like we weren’t lost anymore.
 
 As we walked deeper into the forest, it started to get dark. The sky dimmed, and long shadows formed between the trees. Estheria looked back at us, her voice steady.
 

“Strixx, Luca… let’s stop here for today,” she said. “It’s dangerous to keep moving through the forest at night.”

 
She looked around, her eyes scanning the darkening woods.
“This place is home to magical beasts that come out after sunset. We’ll need a proper shelter.”
 
We both nodded in agreement.
“Alright,” I said.
 
Estheria began searching for a safe spot when, suddenly, Strixx pointed through the trees, eyes wide with excitement.
 
“Strixx saw something there!”
 
We turned to look in the direction she was pointing--and there it was. A cave, tucked behind thick vines and low branches.
 
I smiled and gave Strixx a light pat on the shoulder.
“Great job, Strixx.
 
Estheria smiled too. “Good eyes, Strixx. Let’s rest there for the night.”
 
We headed toward the cave. Inside, it was quiet and cool--but Strixx froze when she spotted something near the wall. Bones. Old and brittle.
 
My heart skipped. I tensed up, glancing toward Estheria, who stepped past us and motioned for us to stay back.
 
“Wait outside for a moment,” she said gently.
 
She moved deeper into the cave. It wasn’t very large--more like a shallow den. A few moments later, she returned, brushing dust off her cloak.
 
“No need to worry,” she said calmly. “Magical beasts usually store up mana and sleep during the day so they can hunt at night. This one’s long gone--this den’s abandoned. We’ll be safe here for the night.”
 
Her voice was reassuring, and somehow, just hearing her say that made the place feel a little less eerie. We gathered our things, ready to settle in for a quiet night’s rest.
 
 
Night had fallen by the time we settled inside the cave. A small fire crackled gently, casting soft light on the stone walls.
 
Estheria sat near the entrance, staring outside. She looked quiet… thoughtful. Like something was weighing on her mind.
 
I warmed up some food Strixx and I had picked up back at the checkpoint town, part of the supplies we bought for the Journey. When it was ready, I walked over to her with a portion.
 
“Estheria, here--have some.”
 
She blinked, snapping out of her thoughts, then took it with a soft smile.
“Thank you, Luca.”
 
I handed Strixx her share too.
 
Strixx took a bite, her face lighting up.
“Strixx loves this!”
 
I laughed.
“You sure love everything you eat, don’t you?”
 
Then I turned to Estheria again. Her eyes were still distant.
 
“Hey… is something bothering you?”
 
She looked at me, a bit uneasy.
“It’s nothing. I’m just like this sometimes,” she said with a small laugh--but I could tell she was hiding something.
 
After a short silence, she spoke again.
 
“Luca, Strixx… my village isn’t far from here. It’s a small settlement of lower elves--just a few hours’ walk from this spot.”
 
She looked at us with a faint smile.
“When morning comes, we’ll continue our journey… but before that, I want to take you there. I think everyone would be happy to meet you both--as my friends.”
 
I smiled warmly.
“We’re looking forward to it, Estheria.”
 
Strixx, still chewing, tried to join in.
“Striwxx wawants… to sewe… the elfw villagwwe too!”
 
I looked over at her and chuckled.
“Swallow your food first, Strixx.”
 
Estheria laughed softly, her mood lifting a little. I glanced at her again.
“Come on, Estheria--eat before it gets cold.”
 
 
After we finished eating, we sat near the fire.
It crackled softly, filling the quiet cave with a warm, steady sound.
 
But then  suddenly, Strixx clutched her head and let out a low groan.
 
“Strixx… doesn’t feel good…”
 
I quickly rushed to her side.
“Strixx? What’s wrong?”
 
She squirmed, holding her head.
“ Ahhh Strixx feels… something weird. Head hurts…”
 
Estheria was by her side in an instant. Her expression turned serious.
“This is bad…”
 
Just then, a voice echoed from outside--frantic and desperate.
 
“Help!
 Please, someone help!”
 
Help!
Help!
 
Estheria suddenly froze, eyes wide in shock.
 
“…Livia?!”
 
I looked up at her, holding Strixx close.
“Someone you know?”
 
She nodded quickly, worry all over her face.
“She sounds like  a little girl from my village.”
 
Then she turned to us, her voice firm.
 
“Luca, Strixx—stay here. No matter what happens, don’t leave the cave. I have to go save her.”
 
Before I could say anything, she was already running toward the voice, vanishing into the trees.
 
I held Strixx gently as she still winced in pain, and glanced toward the direction Estheria had gone.
 
“I don’t like this… Strixx is hurting, and now Estheria’s gone after that scream… What the hell is going on?!”