The darkness surrounding Atheline and Lilith dissolved gradually as their feet touched solid ground. For a moment, neither of them moved.
They had deliberately chosen a point outside the forest rather than teleporting directly into the small frontier town. There was no need to risk appearing somewhere that someone might notice them.
The forest stretched behind them, its enormous trees forming a dark wall against the evening sky.
The sun had almost disappeared beyond the horizon. Only a faint orange glow remained along the distant mountains.
Atheline looked back toward the forest.
"That's it."
Lilith stood beside him, her gaze lingering on the trees.
"For now."
Their little fox emerged from between them and immediately sniffed the ground.
Atheline chuckled.
"She seems happier to be outside."
Lilith crouched and scratched her head.
"She spent enough time inside the sanctuary. "
The fox seemed to agree. She trotted ahead a few steps before turning around to look at them.
