The Celestial Heist

Chapter 259: The Storm We Carry

The group pressed deeper into the forest, the tension between them crackling like the remnants of a thunderstorm. Each step forward felt heavier, as if the shadows clinging to the trees were feeding off their doubts and fears. The encounter with the storm-bound woman lingered in their minds—a warning, a threat, and a promise of what lay ahead.

Kael’s hand rested on the hilt of his sword, the familiar weight grounding him. He cast a glance over his shoulder toward Naya, who walked just behind him, her gaze distant. The storm inside her was growing, and every moment they delayed felt like an invitation for it to take over.

“You doing okay?” Kael asked quietly, falling back to walk beside her.

Naya gave a quick nod, though the dark circles under her eyes told another story. “I’m fine. Just... tired.”

“We’re all tired,” Korrin said from above, wings fluttering as he hovered near them. “But this storm won’t wait for us to catch our breath.”

Kael frowned. “If you need a break—”

“No,” Naya i