54. Through the Forbidden Forest

The dawn is cold, much colder than Shandra thought it would be. The three of them had already been heading west for ten minutes, without stopping to talk or warm up. That is, if demons and werewolves even needed to warm themselves.

When they reached a specific point in the woods, Marcus signaled for them to stop. He faced the girl directly.

"From here on, we are in uncharted territory. The ancient temple is somewhere around here, but this forest is unmapped."

"Is this where I do my magic act?" she asked in a wry tone, putting her hand on her waist.

"At least you keep your sense of humor," he grumbles. "Yes, this is when you become our compass."

Shandra closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and

Opens them again, looking at Sam.

"And how exactly am I supposed to do that? I'm still new to this whole sorceress with fairy powers thing."

The fire-eyed demon replies:

"Focus on your magic, and focus on the presence you sense around you."

"How?"

"Every living thing has its essence, its aura, a