The flames from the explosion still danced high, painting the snow with orange and red.
Smoke curled and twisted in the cold air, casting a veil over the charred trees. From within that fiery chaos, a figure suddenly burst out—swift and nimble, cloak fluttering behind like a shadow slipping through the light.
Kael's eyes caught the movement immediately.
"There you are!" he roared, his voice slicing through the roar of fire. "You're not getting away!"
Mira didn't look back. She sprinted across the snow, her boots crunching and slipping over the icy ground. Her breath was ragged, but her steps were sure. She darted between trees, each stride powered by sheer desperation.
Smoke trailed off her cloak as she pushed herself forward. Taking the opportunity of the blast, which masked her presence, she had already fired a signal.
High above, a bright flare shot into the sky.
