Meanwhile, the forest near the altar was quiet, not empty, but quiet in a way that felt unnatural, like it had taken a deep breath and was now holding it.
The bodies were still there.
Some were twisted, some slumped over rocks, others faced down in the dirt with weapons still clutched in their hands.
Robes marked with strange symbols were torn and scorched. Charred bits of bone lay half-buried where the summoning circles had once burned with life.
But now there was only stillness.
The Silent Crescent moved through the remains as if gliding, not walking. No footsteps.
No sound. Just shadows slipping between trees, checking one body at a time, confirming each target.
None of them spoke.
They didn't need to.
They were thorough, precise, unrushed, and even though the threat was already gone, not a single one had lowered their guard.
