Chapter 26: Through the Cursed Wood

The group pressed forward, their breath visible in the cold, cursed air of the forest. Alucard kept his eyes ahead, his senses heightened, aware that the storm's fury had abated for now, but the danger was far from over. Each step felt like walking deeper into the heart of darkness, the shadows pressing in from all sides, the twisted trees creaking as if alive.

Seraphina moved silently next to him, her bow drawn and ready. She scanned the treeline, her eyes narrow and focused. "This place feels worse than before. We're being watched."

Alucard didn't respond immediately. His grip tightened on his sword, and he could sense it too—the oppressive weight of eyes on them, though the creatures remained hidden. The silence was unnerving, and the sudden absence of the storm left them vulnerable. He wondered how long the sorcerer would toy with them before making another move.

Garret, walking behind, grumbled under his breath, his nerves on edge. "I've seen enough of this place. Feels like we're walking right into a trap."

"We don't have a choice," Alucard replied, his voice low but firm. "We have to keep moving."

As they ventured deeper into the cursed wood, the trees began to close in around them, their branches tangled like gnarled claws. Strange symbols etched into the bark glowed faintly, giving off an eerie green light. Alucard recognized them as markings of dark magic, a sign that they were treading closer to the sorcerer's stronghold.

Jasper, ever the cautious one, studied the symbols as they walked, his face twisted in concentration. "These markings... they're wards, but not just to keep us out. They're designed to disorient, to turn people around without them realizing it."

"So we could be going in circles?" Seraphina asked, her tone sharp.

"Exactly," Jasper replied. "Unless we can break the wards, we might never get out of this forest."

Alucard frowned. The sorcerer's magic was stronger than he had anticipated, but they had no choice but to push through. "Is there any way to counter them?"

Jasper nodded slowly. "We'll need to find the source of the magic. The wards are connected to something, probably a totem or an artifact hidden deeper in the woods."

Garret cursed under his breath. "Great, more magic tricks."

Alucard turned to the group, his voice steady. "Then we find the source. Stick together, and don't let the forest fool you. If anyone sees anything strange, call out."

They continued forward, each step growing heavier as the forest itself seemed to resist them. The air grew thicker, harder to breathe, and the shadows shifted unnaturally at the edges of their vision.

Suddenly, a cold, hollow laugh echoed through the trees, sending a chill down Alucard's spine. It was a laugh filled with malice and darkness, a sound that could only belong to one being.

"The sorcerer," Seraphina whispered, her voice barely audible.

Alucard's eyes narrowed. They were close now—too close to turn back. He raised his sword, determination hardening his features.

"We end this."