Kai

We're moving faster now, the air between us buzzing with the kind of energy I haven't felt in a long time. The creature is stable—still alive, and it's no longer thrashing or snapping at us. Alex did it. He calmed it. He healed it, even if it wasn't the kind of healing we expected.

"Are you alright?" I ask, stepping up beside Alex. The words feel inadequate, but I say them anyway.

Alex glances at me, and for a moment, I'm caught in the intensity of his gaze. He's exhausted—his body is still a little shaky from whatever he just did, but there's something different about him. I can see the fire inside him now, more than just his power. It's his will. The drive to protect, to make this world better, even if it feels like an impossible task.

"I'm good," he says softly, a slight grin breaking through. "I think I've got the hang of it."

I raise an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. "You sure? Because the last time I checked, healing a giant creature wasn't exactly a beginner move."

Alex's grin widens, a bit of his old self peeking through the weariness. "Maybe not. But I think I'm ready for the next step."

I smile, shaking my head. The fact that he can still joke in the middle of all this is enough to make my heart beat a little faster. It's like he's finding his place in this messed-up world, and I can't help but feel proud.

Lyra and Finn are moving ahead of us, clearly in a hurry. Lyra is looking back every few steps, keeping an eye on us, but her expression is thoughtful. Finn, on the other hand, is practically bouncing with excitement, his energy contagious. The feeling of relief in the air is almost tangible, like we're on the edge of something new.

But something's still gnawing at me. The creature's not completely out of the woods yet, and we're heading deeper into the forest. We've been moving for hours, following the winding path that seems to stretch endlessly in every direction. Even with the progress we've made, the sense of danger is still hanging in the air like a cloud.

"We need to keep moving," Lyra says, her voice steady but urgent. "It won't be long before we're spotted."

"Spotted?" Alex asks, his brows furrowing in confusion.

"The monsters. There's no way this thing is the only one," she says, glancing over her shoulder. "And we've made too much noise to slip by unnoticed."

Finn looks up, his face serious for once. "Lyra's right. If we stop now, it's only a matter of time before they catch up to us."

I hate the thought of running. It feels wrong to be constantly on the move, always looking over our shoulders. But deep down, I know Lyra and Finn are right. We're in hostile territory, and we can't afford to stay in one place for too long.

"We'll have to keep an eye out," I say, feeling the weight of the decision in my chest.

Alex nods beside me, his jaw set with determination. "Let's keep moving. We're not far from the mountains now. I can feel it."

I glance at him, wondering if he's talking about the terrain or his own powers. Either way, it doesn't matter. His confidence is contagious.

We push forward, the trees growing thicker, the air cooler as we ascend the gentle slope toward the distant mountains. The path becomes narrow, and the sound of running water grows louder as we get closer to the stream we crossed earlier.

We stop to rest by the edge of the stream. The forest around us is dense, the shadows growing longer as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. The world feels like it's holding its breath, waiting for something.

"Okay," Finn says, sitting down on a rock by the water. "We need a plan."

"We already have one," Lyra says, lowering her pack and sitting beside him. "Get to the mountains. That's where the crystal's hidden."

Finn shoots her a look, his lips twitching into a smile. "Right, but there's a difference between having a destination and actually getting there."

I nod in agreement. "Lyra's right. We know the destination, but we need to be smart about how we get there. No more surprises."

Alex leans against a tree, looking out at the stream. His gaze is distant, but he's not lost. He's thinking, I can tell. He's always thinking. The air around us seems to ripple in response to whatever thoughts are running through his head.

"I'll help with the path," he says, his voice calm. "If we stick close, I can keep us hidden. The elements can help us."

Finn's eyes light up at the idea, but Lyra's expression is more cautious. "You sure about this?" she asks, her tone practical but still holding that edge of concern.

Alex nods, his face serious now. "It's part of what I can do. I can sense when things are coming. I'll know if something's coming for us."

I can't help but smile a little. Despite everything, despite the pressure of this mission, Alex has grown in a way that leaves me in awe. The kid I used to know is starting to emerge into someone powerful. And I can't wait to see what he does next.

"Alright, then," I say, standing up. "Let's keep moving. But stay alert. The last thing we need right now is another ambush."

Finn stands, stretching his arms above his head. "Sounds good to me."

We gather our things and move off again, following the winding path deeper into the forest. But this time, something's different. Alex's confidence is like a shield around us, a quiet strength that fills the air. We're not just surviving anymore. We're advancing.

And for the first time in a long time, I truly believe we're going to make it.