Chapter 359

Ron, Eron, and Alaric arrived at the forest some minutes after Vathar left. They searched until they came upon a spot where the grass was still wet with blood and Ron crouched low, brushing his fingers through the glistening red streaks staining the blades.

It was fresh but only slightly warm.

“He’s close,” he said, voice grim. “But we have to hurry.”

They all broke into a run, following the blood trail, but just beyond the trees, they were brought to a jarring stop by the horrid stench of blood.

Three corpses lay strewn across the narrow path like discarded dolls. Torn and mangled, faces twisted in agony. Their ribcages were cracked open, a few organs missing, limbs bent at impossible angles. As if a wild animal had torn through them.

They all froze, and for a moment, no one spoke. Dread slithered into their hearts like smoke, chills running up their spines.

Ron turned slowly to Eron, his heart sinking. The god stood still, staring at the