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"Thornix… he's in trouble," the young man gasped.

My heart lurched. "What happened?"

"He's been ambushed. Forces are gathering against him. He can't hold them off alone."

Fear sliced through me like a blade. "We have to go to him."

Mira gripped my arm. "Acacia, we need a plan."

I took a shaky breath. "You're right." Turning to the group, I raised my voice. "Thornix needs us. This is what we've prepared for. Are you with me?"

A resounding cheer erupted.

Kael stepped forward. "We'll fly ahead and scout the area."

"Thank you," I said, gratitude overflowing.

As we hastened toward Thornix's last known location, the forest seemed to close in around us. The air grew thick, tension palpable.

Night fell, casting long shadows under the moonlight. We moved quietly, every rustle and snap setting my nerves on edge.

Suddenly, the distant sounds of clashing weapons and shouts of anger reached our ears.

"Over there!" someone shouted.

We broke into a run. My lungs burned, but I pushed forward, branches whipping against my skin.

Bursting into a clearing, I saw Thornix surrounded by hostile figures cloaked in darkness. His vines lashed out, but they were too many.

"Charge!" Kael roared, transforming into his dragon form mid-leap.

Our forces collided with the enemy, chaos erupting. I fought my way toward Thornix, desperation fueling every move.

He caught sight of me, eyes widening. "Acacia! No!"

"Yes!" I swung at an attacker, narrowly dodging a retaliating blow. "We're here to help!"

He fought his way to my side, frustration and relief mingling on his face. "You shouldn't have come."

"I couldn't stay away," I retorted, deflecting another strike.

He met my gaze, a flicker of something softer passing through his eyes. "You're impossible."

"That's why you love me."

A hint of a smile touched his lips. "Fair point."

Side by side, we pushed back the onslaught. Around us, humans and monsters fought together, a unified front against the darkness.

Minutes felt like hours, but gradually, the tide turned. The enemy faltered, their ranks breaking.

"Retreat!" one of them cried, and just like that, they scattered into the shadows.

Silence blanketed the clearing, broken only by ragged breaths and the rustling of leaves.

I turned to Thornix, relief flooding me. "Are you hurt?"

He shook his head, reaching out to cup my face. "I'm fine. Thanks to you."