Chapter111: Forward

KELLY THOMPSON'S POV  The air grew denser, the shadows darker, as we pressed on through the enemy's lair. With each step closer to the stronghold's heart, a palpable tension wound its way around my spine, constricting like a serpent ready to strike. The silence was oppressive, a stark contrast to the cacophony of battle we'd left behind. "Keep your senses sharp," I whispered, my voice barely a breath against the cold stone walls that funneled us forward. The scent of ancient magic and malice filled my nostrils-The Black Faes' sorcery thickened the air, nearly tangible in its potency. Eden moved at my side, his green eyes aglow with the power he contained-a beacon of hope and a reminder of what we fought for. His youth did not dampen the resolve etched into his features; if anything, it sharpened it. A sudden shift in the shadows ahead halted us. Jason, ever vigilant, raised a hand for us to pause. I could sense his mind working through the possibilities, calculating our next move with