The hunter's legs pounded the earth as he raced through the dark woods, Ezra cradled securely in his arms. The boy was silent, eyes wide with fear and confusion, but the hunter knew they couldn't stop—whether it was the pursuers or the forest itself waiting behind, they had to move faster.
Branches scraped at their skins, and roots threatened to trip them as they navigated the narrow, winding path. The river was close now—Ezra could sense it, a faint whisper of rushing water in the distance. If they could reach the other side, maybe they would be safe.
The hunter's breath was heavy, but his mind remained sharp. He reached into his satchel and pulled out a small, weathered boat—an old craft made of sturdy wood, tied to a hidden spot among the trees. With a swift motion, he pushed it into the water and reached for an object on his belt.
He closed his eyes for a moment, voice low and steady. With a quiet hum of concentration, he invoked a simple spell—a pulse of mana that caused the waves around them to swell and glide beneath the boat, pushing it toward the opposite bank with greater speed. The water responded, rippling and rising, as if eager to obey.
Ezra felt the boat lift slightly, the rush of water around it growing stronger. The spell was powerful enough to increase their pace, making the crossing faster and smoother, but the magic was delicate—if he pushed too far, it could break apart.
"Hold on," the hunter muttered, his eyes fixed ahead, then pushed the boat into a current that pulled them onward. The river surged beneath them, waves curling high and then flattening out as the spell worked its magic, propelling them smoothly over the dark water.
The boy clung to the side of the boat, trembling, but the strange energy of the spell gave him a glimmer of hope. Maybe they could escape, maybe they could find safety before the night devoured them whole.
The boat reached the other shore with a quiet splash, and the hunter swiftly jumped out, pulling Ezra with him. No words were spoken—only the sound of their hurried footsteps through the trees as they disappeared into the shadows of the forest.