A stillness settled over the forest as we moved deeper into the shaded terrain. The thick canopy overhead cast warped shadows across the ground, making it hard to tell what was just a root and what was something waiting to strangle us. Every step felt like tempting fate.
Julien exhaled through his nose. "So, uh… what's the best way to grab this thing without getting strangled to death?"
"Carefully," I muttered, eyes scanning the undergrowth.
Wallace adjusted his glasses. "A controlled burn could work. Stalker Vines have a natural reaction to heat. If we force them to move first, we'll see where they are before they see us."
Mira smirked. "I like the way you think."
Felix paled. "Hold on. Fire? In a forest? That sounds like a great way to die."
