Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 95: Not a monster’s den.

Chapter 95: Chapter 95: Not a monster’s den.

Finally, they could see the outline of a massive wall towards the horizon; they had reached the city of Galdreth.

It was just a two-day journey from the day they fought Voidmaw, but it took them seven days just to reach the city.

Their every step towards the Galdreath brought them towards the larger den of monsters; not a single minute were they able to breathe peacefully.

The attack of the void maw was just the trailer; the reality was beyond it. in just seven days all of them were in battered and bloodied condition, not dead yet.

Every day brought more monsters that were more dangerous and relentless than the last one. The group barely had time to rest before the next fight started.

The closer they got to Galdreth, the stronger the monsters became. At first they had faced smaller beasts like Gnarlbeaks with their sharp claws and beaks and Shadow Paws that moved quietly through the forest with only their glowing eyes warning before they attacked.

They have encountered wave after wave of monsters, one after another. All kinds of monsters, from a low level to the highest level, and some they did not even recognize.

The closer they approached the city of Galdreth, the more intelligent the monster became, and their way of attacking also became more practiced and coordinated.

the monsters start fighting like organized humans, and they have a hunch that someone was controlling them.

Cassian fought at the front with his sword moving fast as he cut through wave of monsters one after another. His body hurt, and his muscles screamed for rest, but he pushed as his eyes locked on the distant city.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that the attacks weren’t random. There was a pattern and a purpose behind the constant fights.

"This can’t be a coincidence," Cassian said as he wiped the blood and sweat off his face.

"What?" Oronik asked, stepping beside him after killing a Razorwing.

"The monsters," Cassian said, looking at the dark forest. "It’s like they’re trying to stop us. The closer we get to Galdreth, the stronger and smarter they get."

Oronik nodded. "I’ve noticed it too. It’s like something is testing us, pushing us to our limits."

Alistair overheard and laughed. "Testing us? Monsters don’t think like that. They’re just animals."

"Are they?" Cassian shot back. "Doesn’t it seem strange to you? These creatures aren’t just attacking randomly—they’re working together. And they’re finding our weaknesses."

The group had run out of food three days ago, and exhaustion was heavy on them.

Every fight drained their strength, and they had no time to get what they had lost.

By the seventh day they had only made two days of progress. The monsters’ constant attacks forced them to move back, hide, and regroup.

They could not even eat a proper meal, let alone have a decent rest.

Cassian felt more uneasy. There was something wrong with Galdreth. He could feel it deep inside—a dark, heavy presence that seemed to reach out from the city and surround them, suffocating them.

On the seventh night the group camped in a small clearing. The walls of Galdreth city were still visible in the distance. The massive outline of the city’s wall glowing strangely in the dim moonlight.

It was giving an oppressive vibe, chilling their heart to the core. It was not only Cassian who could feel this. Everyone’s nerves are on edge as they get closer to the city wall of Galdreth.

The group sat quietly, their faces showing weariness and worry. Orion and Ivis worked on their weapons, sharpening blades dulled from constant use. Alistair leaned against a tree, his eyes closed, though he was not asleep. Keren was bent over a map muttering as he tried to figure out their route.

Cassian stood watch, his hand resting on his sword. His eyes never left the direction of Galdreth.

"Do you think we’ll make it?" Morren asked quietly, stepping up beside him.

Cassian did not answer right away. He gripped his sword tightly and took a slow breath. "We have to," he finally said. "But whatever’s in Galdreth knows we’re coming. And it won’t let us in without a fight."

Morren frowned. "You think it’s deliberate? Is that something controlling these monsters?"

Cassian nodded. "I don’t just think it—I feel it. Every attack, every delay—it’s like we’re being tested. Whatever’s in Galdreth, it’s waiting for us."

Aerich fell silent, looking at the distant city. "Then we’d better be ready."

Cassian looked at the group. They were tired and hurt, but their determination hadn’t broken.

The night passed. As the first light of dawn broke through the trees, the group packed their things and got ready to leave.

Cassian stood at the edge of camp, his eyes locked on Galdreth. His unease had turned into a sure feeling—they weren’t just walking into a ruined city. They were walking into a trap.

"Haha!", A cold and amused voice echoed in the stillness where Cassian’s group had passed not long ago. The air rippled as a figure began to appear. Its presence cast an unnatural chill over the clearing.

It was a man or something that looked like one. His sharp face twisted into a cruel grin. His pale skin glowed faintly under the moonlight. His eyes shone with a strange light that promised pain and suffering to anyone who dared meet his gaze.

"You humans are bold and foolish," he said with mockery. He spoke slowly as if savoring each word.

He tilted his head. His long black hair fell over his shoulder as he took a step forward. His boots crushed the leaves beneath him with a rhythmic crunch.

"Still heading for Galdreth?" he murmured. His grin widened. His sharp teeth gleamed in the dim light as his tongue flicked out to wet his lips. "Very good. I like it."

He paused, lifting a hand with long fingers ending in claw-like nails. His gaze wandered to the trail Cassian’s group had left behind. "My pets didn’t scare them enough," he said, tapping a claw against his lips. "They still have the spirit to walk into the den of monsters..."

Then he clicked his tongue, cutting through the air with a sharp sound. "No, I always choose the wrong words. Not a monster’s den." His grin grew wider, his eyes narrowing. "A demon’s cave. That’s more fitting."

He laughed. The sound grew louder, echoing through the clearing like shattering glass. His shoulders shook as his head tilted back. The thought of their determination brought him great delight.

"Very good. Very good," he said. His voice dropped darker and more menacing. "I’m excited."

He spread his arms wide, as if welcoming what was to come. "To fight them. To watch their hope crumble." His grin turned vicious. His sharp teeth showed as his voice turned into a growl. "To crush their spirits with my own hands."

He licked his lips slowly as if he could already taste their despair. "Such brave, foolish creatures," he murmured, almost lovingly, before his laughter erupted again. It was loud and wild.

It wasn’t just a laugh. It was pure malice. The sound echoed through the clearing, lingering even after the figure disappeared into the shadows, leaving an air of dread hanging in the forest.