CHAPTER 80: THE BARON

The creature guided me to a place much farther than the spot Serena had instructed me to wait. The more distance I covered, the eerier the surroundings became.

Though still within the barony's boundaries, it felt as though I had stumbled upon a forgotten area.

The walls were ensnared by the roots of an ancient, lifeless tree. Fallen leaves crunched under my boots and dust had claimed the once pristine bricks.

"Hey, slow down!" I called out, trying to catch up, my fingertips tracing the rough texture of the walls.

I jogged carefully, doing my best to avoid stumbling.

As we ventured further, we entered a cave. The roots now sported thorns, resembling rose stems. However, there was nothing beautiful about this place. It was filled with darkness, an unsettling view, and a palpable sense of danger.

"Where have you gone?" I lost sight of the creature and peered deeper into the gloom.

The darkness enveloped me with an intensity that seemed to devour any trace of light, leaving me utterly bli