There was nothing more we could do at the caves, so we gathered everyone together and began the journey back toward the village, moving with as much caution and vigilance as we could muster. The path offered few places to hide, and yet, the thought didn’t comfort us—if anyone was watching, they would have an unobstructed view. But it wasn’t just ordinary eyes we feared. The Ash Queen’s magic could reach us in ways we couldn’t see or understand. She could be observing every step we took right now, her presence hidden in shadows or whispers, and we wouldn’t even know it. The weight of that possibility pressed down on us with every careful footfall.
We made our way straight back to the village, moving as quickly as we dared, and reported everything we had seen. Elias was particularly distrau
