Chapter 67: Hunting Tragedy (2)

The thundering sound of hooves pounded through the dense forest as Nikolai and Rhaziel rode deeper into the heart of the wilderness. The cold wind whipped around them, carrying the mournful cries of ravens nestled in the skeletal branches above. The forest was alive with the eerie, desolate sounds that accompanied their journey, a reminder of the dark past that lingered in Nikolai's mind. As they ventured further into the forest, Nikolai found his thoughts drifting to memories he had long tried to bury. The past clawed its way to the surface, threatening to overwhelm him. Unable to bear the burden any longer, he pulled his horse to a halt and dismounted, his expression grim. "We'll make better progress on foot," he stated flatly, his voice betraying none of the turmoil brewing within. Rhaziel groaned in frustration but complied, dismounting his horse and falling in step beside Nikolai. The wind howled around them, bitter and relentless, as if mocking their journey. It was impossible