The horse moved slowly through the dense southern forest.
Tall trees blocked most of the sunlight, leaving the narrow path covered in shadows.
June Astral sat in front while Lucas de Hein rode behind her, his arm still resting around her waist to keep her steady as the horse moved over uneven ground.
The forest was strangely quiet.
Too quiet.
June's playful smile slowly faded.
Her brown eyes scanned the surroundings carefully.
"Something's wrong," she said softly.
Lucas's silver eyes were already observing the trees.
"Yes."
A faint dark aura drifted through the air like invisible smoke.
It was subtle, but unmistakable.
"Black magic," Lucas murmured.
The horse suddenly became nervous, snorting and slowing down.
June gently patted its neck.
"Easy."
Then she looked ahead.
Between the trees, something appeared carved into the ground.
A large dark symbol.
A ritual circle.
Lucas tightened his grip slightly at her waist as the horse stopped.
"…We found it."
June slowly stepped down from the horse.
Lucas followed.
Both of them stared at the black magic circle drawn across the forest floor.
The symbols were old and twisted.
Definitely forbidden magic.
June crouched slightly to examine it.
Her expression grew serious.
"This wasn't done recently."
Lucas nodded.
"It's part of a larger ritual."
Just then—
A voice echoed from the shadows of the trees.
"So…"
A figure slowly stepped forward.
"You finally arrived."
Another presence appeared behind them.
Heavy footsteps.
Someone strong.
June stood up slowly and turned.
Two figures stood in the darkness of the forest.
One cloaked in dark magic.
And beside them…
A tall warrior holding a massive blade.
Just as June predicted.
One mage.
One fighter.
June smiled slightly.
"Well."
Her hand moved toward the hilt of her sword.
"Looks like the hunt begins."
Lucas's silver eyes glowed faintly with magic.
"Yes."