Shadow Pursuit - The Shadow Ring: Blood Moon

Eira abandons the idea of shooting.

Taking advantage of the gap as the two turn to flee into the dense forest, she follows them silently.

The depths of the Blackthorn Forest are even darker and more eerie than the outskirts—vines coil around tree trunks like ghostly arms, and the stench of rotting wood mingles with the smell of earth, hitting her nose.

Eira lowers her center of gravity, moving as quietly as a cat, fixing her gaze on the backs of the two ahead usinirag the only faint star-like spots of light.

The two stop beside a pile of rocks. The guild member pulls the seal shard from his bosom, its faint purple glow growing even more eerie in the firelight

The guild member： Activating the seal with human captives—will this really work? If something goes wrong, the Guild Master won't spare us.

The Oathbreaker （sneers）： Relax. Chieftain Raoul personally ordered it. The captives are locked in a cave near the Throne of Thorns; we just need to bring them there on the night of the Blood Moon. When the ring awakens, we'll all get a share of its power.

Eira's heart sinks—before her father disappeared, he had mentioned rumors of missing humans on the border. So this is where they've been taken, to be used as sacrifices.

Eira is about to move closer when she suddenly hears the rustle of cloth behind her. A cold short blade presses against the back of her neck

Who's there? Daring to follow us!

Eira reacts instantly, jerking sideways to dodge, while drawing her own short blade from her waist to counterattack. The clash of blades rings out sharply in the silent forest.

The Oathbreaker ： It's a sentry!

The Oathbreaker turns around, sees Eira grappling with the sentry, and his expression changes

The Oathbreaker ： The werewolves are almost here! Leave her—let's go!

The two vanish into the depths of the forest in an instant.

Eira seizes an opening, kicking the sentry in the knee. As he stumbles, she slashes his arm. The sentry cries out in pain and flees.

Just then, several wolf-like figures dart out of the forest, surrounding Eira completely—the arriving werewolf patrol.

The patrol leader (growls, his wolf ears twitching slightly, eyes fierce)： Human? What are you doing here? Are you in cahoots with those guild members?

Eira immediately pulls out the map shard she's carrying, holding it above her head

Eira： I'm not an enemy! I'm searching for my father. This is a map shard of the Stellar Council—my father is the Guardian of the Seal!

The Stellar Council's mark on the shard is faintly visible in the firelight.

The patrol leader( hesitates for a moment, then waves his hand)： Take her to the camp and hand her over to Chieftain Kai and the Elders for judgment.