With a final farewell to Kai and Emory, Amaniel stepped back out into the evening air. The sky was painted in deep oranges and purples, the first hints of twilight creeping in. He boarded the waiting carriage, settling in as the driver flicked the reins, guiding the horses toward the academy.
The forest path was quiet, the usual rustle of wildlife subdued as night approached. Amaniel rested his head against the window, his thoughts drifting—until the carriage lurched to a sudden halt.
His eyes snapped open.
"W-what's wrong?" he called out.
The driver's voice trembled. "S-sir! T-there's a—a monster!"
Amaniel frowned. He reached out with his senses, the echo of life, probing the surroundings, but… nothing. No life, no movement.
Could it be... a spectral monster?
Cautiously, he pushed the door open and stepped out. The forest was eerily still.
"Where?" he asked, scanning the trees.
