SWNOVELS Chapter 46
Lyra straightened, immediately alert. “What kind of disturbance?”
The Curator’s form rippled, projecting an image of a densely forested world. “This realm, known to its inhabitants as Verdania, is experiencing an unusual surge of dark energy. It appears to be disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem.”
Fenris frowned, studying the image intently. “Could it be residual corruption from Elara’s actions?”
“Possible, but unlikely,” the Curator replied. “This energy signature is… different. More focused. We fear an outside influence may be at work.”
Lyra exchanged a determined glance with Fenris. “We’ll investigate immediately. Can you transport us there?”
The Curator nodded, its form already beginning to fade. “Prepare yourselves. I will open a portal momentarily.”
As the entity disappeared, Lyra and Fenris quickly gathered their supplies. Months of training had honed their skills and strengthened their bond. They moved with practiced efficiency, each anticipating the other’s needs.
“Ready?” Lyra asked, securing the last of her magical focuses.
Fenris grinned, a glint of excitement in his eyes. “Always. Let’s go save another world.”
A shimmering portal materialized before them, its surface rippling like liquid starlight. With a shared nod of determination, they stepped through.
The transition was instantaneous. One moment they were surrounded by the sterile beauty of the observatory, the next they found themselves in the heart of a lush, primeval forest. Massive trees towered overhead, their canopies blocking out much of the sunlight. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and exotic flora.
Lyra took a deep breath, feeling the realm’s energy wash over her. “Do you feel that?” she asked, her brow furrowing in concentration.
Fenris nodded, his posture tense. “The disruption. It’s subtle, but definitely there. Like a discordant note in an otherwise harmonious symphony.”
They set out, moving carefully through the dense underbrush. Lyra reached out with her magical senses, trying to pinpoint the source of the disturbance. Fenris alternated between his human and wolf forms, using his heightened senses to scout ahead.
As they traveled deeper into the forest, the wrongness became more pronounced. The vibrant greens of the foliage began to dull, and an eerie silence fell over the woods. No birdsong, no rustling of small animals in the undergrowth.
“Something’s very wrong here,” Lyra murmured, her hand instinctively seeking Fenris’s. He squeezed her fingers reassuringly. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”
They pressed on, the forest growing darker and more oppressive with each step. Gnarled roots seemed to reach out, trying to trip them. Thorny vines hung low, threatening to snag their clothing.
Suddenly, Fenris froze, his ears pricking forward. “Did you hear that?”
Lyra strained her senses, but could detect nothing. “What is it?”
“Not sure,” Fenris replied, his voice low. “But something’s moving out there. Something big.”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a net came flying out of the shadows. Fenris shouted a warning, shoving Lyra clear. But in doing so, he left himself exposed.
The net enveloped him, its strands glowing with an unnatural light. Fenris snarled, shifting into his wolf form to try and break free. But the more he struggled, the tighter the net became.
“Fenris!” Lyra cried, her hands already glowing with magical energy.
Before she could cast a spell, dark figures emerged from the underbrush. They were humanoid in shape, but their forms seemed to shift and waver, as if they weren’t fully part of this reality.
One of the figures stepped forward, its featureless face turning towards Lyra. When it spoke, its voice was like gravel scraping against metal.
“The wolf is ours now,” it said. “Interfere, and you will share his fate.”
Lyra stood her ground, magic crackling at her fingertips. “I don’t think so. Release him, now.”
The figure made a sound that might have been laughter. “Foolish guardian. You have no power here.”
With a gesture, the ground beneath Lyra’s feet began to shift. Roots burst from the earth, wrapping around her legs and arms. She struggled, but the more she fought, the tighter they became.
“Lyra!” Fenris howled, still thrashing within the net. “Don’t let them take me!”
But it was too late. The shadowy figures converged on Fenris, lifting the net with unnatural strength. In a matter of moments, they had disappeared into the depths of the forest, taking Fenris with them.
Lyra screamed in frustration, pouring every ounce of her power into breaking free of the roots. It took several agonizing minutes, but finally, the enchanted plants released their hold.
She stumbled forward, her heart racing. Fenris was gone. Taken by… what? Those creatures hadn’t felt like any life form she’d encountered before. And the way they had controlled the forest…