As they sat in silence, Lyra glanced at Kael, her eyes filled with understanding. She knew him well enough to recognize when he was troubled.
After a while, Kael broke the silence. "Let's get moving," he said, standing up and brushing off his pants.
Lyra nodded, following him as they rejoined the group. Thane looked at them, his expression neutral.
"Time to move out," Thane said, his voice firm.
The group fell into formation, with Kael and Lyra walking side by side. The tension between them had dissipated, replaced by a sense of determination.
As they journeyed on, the landscape shifted, and the air grew thick with an eerie energy. Lyra's senses tingled,and she knew they were getting close to their destination.
As they journeyed on, the eerie energy grew stronger, and Lyra's senses went on high alert. She could feel the weight of the Shadow Kingdom's darkness bearing down on them.
Suddenly, Thane stopped, his head cocked to one side. "Do you hear that?" he whispered.
Lyra listened, and soon she picked up on the faint sound of rustling leaves and twigs snapping. "What is it?" she asked, her hand on the hilt of her sword.
Thane's eyes scanned the surroundings. "I'm not sure, but I think we're not alone."
Kael drew his sword, his movements quiet and precise. "Let's be ready for anything."
The group fell silent, waiting for whatever was coming their way. The tension was palpable, and Lyra's heart pounded in her chest.
As they waited, the rustling grew louder, and shadows began to take shape in the darkness. Lyra's grip on her sword tightened, her senses on high alert.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was a young woman, dressed in tattered robes, her eyes sunken with hunger and exhaustion.
"Please," she whispered, stumbling towards them. "Help me."
Thane's expression softened, and he sheathed his sword. "What's your name?" he asked gently.
The woman hesitated, her eyes darting between them. "I'm... Elara. I've been fleeing Malakai's soldiers."
Lyra's heart went out to her. "You're safe now," she said, offering a reassuring smile.
But Kael's eyes narrowed. "What were you doing out here alone?"
Elara's gaze dropped, and she hesitated before speaking. "I was trying to escape... I have information about Malakai's plans."
Aria's eyes narrowed, her hand on the hilt of her dagger. "What kind of information?"
Elara glanced around nervously. "Malakai's planning to launch a surprise attack on the rebellion's stronghold. He'll crush them before they can mobilize."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "How do we know this is true?"
Elara's hastily replied. "I overheard his generals discussing the plan.
Kael's eyes locked onto Lyra's. Before Lyra could respond,Thane spoke up.
"How do we know we can trust you?"
Thane asked,his voice firm but cautious.
"You could be a spy,sent to mislead us."
Elara's eyes widened,and she took a step back."I'm not a spy,I swear. I've seen the horrors Malakai's committed. I want to help bring him down."
The group exchanged skeptical glances. Lyra's expression was thoughtful. "We'll take a chance on her information,but we'll be cautious. Let's head to the rebellion stronghold and warn them."