The mist was getting thicker. Like soft, wet hands, it wrapped around their legs and slowly climbed higher. Every step they took, the crunch of dried leaves under their feet echoed like a scream in the silent forest.
This place… it felt like time had gotten lost.
Fayra, half-shifted into her dragon form, mumbled,
"If something jumps out from behind that tree right now, I swear I'm going vegan for life."
Luna smirked and pointed at a tree,
"As long as it's not a broccoli with teeth, I'm good."
Selena, sword resting on her shoulder, took a deep breath.
"If we survive this and make it back, I swear I'll throw a party for all of you… unless the party ends up in hell."
Alice, more serious than usual, was walking ahead of everyone.
Ever since she touched those golden pages, something in her eyes had changed.
A kind of focus… or maybe fear?
Ethan, though… he was still quiet.
His new power had awakened, but it felt like he was still chasing answers only he could find.
