The spirit realm's twisted landscape offered no comfort as they began their journey back toward the Web Walker's territory. The crystalline forests that had seemed strange but navigable on their outward journey now felt actively hostile, shadows moving between the translucent trees in ways that suggested they were being stalked.
"How long until we reach the Web Walker's domain?" one of the freed prisoners asked nervously, glancing at the unnatural aurora overhead.
"Half a day if we keep this pace," Master Damian replied, though his voice carried exhaustion. "But with this many people, some of them wounded..."
"We make it work," Professor Harish said firmly, his military training keeping the group organized despite the circumstances. "No one gets left behind."
