Persist

The sun's rays began to slink through the thick foliage of the forest, a warm and gentle presence that slowly stirred the birds from their slumber. The rustling of leaves, like the whispers of the wind, filled the air, but the students nestled in their makeshift shelter on the tree remained lost in their dreams. The forest was alive with the sounds of life, but the team was in a peaceful slumber, cocooned in the quiet embrace of the morning.

Their faces were relaxed. The lines of worry and exhaustion that had etched themselves onto their features the night before now softened in the gentle morning light. The sounds of the forest had become a soothing melody, lulling them into a deep, restful slumber.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, a beam of light shone through a gap in the leaves, illuminating the shelter. Lorek stirred, groggily rubbing his eyes and blinking in confusion at the bright light.