Chapter Four: Into the Wild
The dawn came cold and gray, casting the village of Elmsdeep in a muted light as Ember prepared for the journey. She stood at the edge of the forest, her cloak pulled tight around her shoulders, watching the fog lift from the treetops. The wind was sharp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. It reminded her of places she had been before, of forgotten trails and long-abandoned paths that led to nowhere.
Her heart thudded in her chest with a familiar anticipation—a mix of dread and resolve. She hadn't planned on staying this long. She hadn't planned on staying at all. But now, with Ash standing a few paces behind her, adjusting the strap on his pack, it felt like the decision had already been made for her.
They were leaving. And they were leaving together.
She took a deep breath, steeling herself against the weight of what lay ahead. The northern forests were dangerous for those who didn't know the way—full of treacherous terrain, dark magic, and, worst of all, the wolves who hunted in packs. She glanced over at Ash, still uncertain if trusting him had been the right choice. He seemed sincere, but sincerity could be a mask, and Ember had lived long enough to know that even the most trustworthy faces could hide secrets.
Ash caught her gaze and gave a small nod, as if to say, I'm ready.
She wasn't entirely sure she was, but time wasn't on their side. His pack would be coming soon. They had to stay ahead of the hunters.
"Let's go," Ember said quietly, turning her back to the village and stepping into the forest. The thick canopy of trees swallowed her whole, and within moments, the comforting sounds of the village faded into nothing. There was only the whisper of the wind through the branches and the crunch of leaves underfoot.
Ash followed close behind, silent as a shadow.
For a while, neither of them spoke. The forest loomed around them, the air thick with the scent of damp moss and decaying leaves. It was beautiful, in a wild and untamed way, but there was also something foreboding about it. The deeper they went, the darker it became, as if the forest itself was swallowing the light.
After what felt like hours, Ember finally broke the silence. "How far north?"
Ash's voice was steady, though there was a guarded edge to it. "A few days' travel on foot. We'll reach the base of the mountains first, and from there, it's another day's climb to the forest where I lost her trail."
"Do you know if your pack is already tracking you?"
Ash hesitated, his footsteps slowing. "They're close. They've probably sent scouts ahead of the main group. We'll need to stay off the main roads, keep to the shadows."
Ember nodded. She had expected as much. The idea of being hunted wasn't new to her, but the stakes felt higher now. She wasn't just running from danger—she was running toward something, toward someone. Another phoenix, like her.
The thought made her chest tighten. She had always been alone. The idea that there was another phoenix out there, someone who understood the burden of her power, was both exhilarating and terrifying. What if she couldn't help her? What if they were too late?
"What was she like?" Ember asked, surprising herself with the question.
Ash glanced at her, his expression softening. "She was... strong. Determined. But she was afraid, too. She had been running for years. She told me she didn't remember how many times she'd been reborn." He paused, his brow furrowing slightly. "She didn't trust me, not at first. But we... we had an understanding. I didn't want to hurt her. I just wanted to help."
