Vanished

The Eastern forest was unrecognizable.

Ash blanketed the ground, and the charred skeletons of trees stood like mourners over the destruction.

The fire had finally stopped, unable to cross the natural borders into the other sections of the forest.

Smoke hung heavy in the air, mingling with the faint, acrid scent of burnt vegetation.

By the lake's edge, three figures stood amidst the devastation, their breaths ragged, their bodies trembling with exhaustion.

Nessa released her hold on the Mystical Art, and the water tendrils collapsed to the ground, splashing into the soot-laden dirt. Her legs buckled slightly, her knees trembling as she struggled to steady herself. She had pushed herself too far. Her green eyes scanned the wasteland, blinking as though trying to refocus.

"Where did that woman go?" she muttered, glancing around.

Aziz stiffened as a familiar sensation slid up his back.