Emerging deeper into the forest, Heizen and Luna moved like shadows beneath the moonlit canopy. The narrow trail ahead twisted unpredictably, forcing them to step carefully over roots that seemed to crawl across the ground like serpents. The trees loomed tall and close, their gnarled trunks whispering secrets to the wind. Overhead, the stars were faint pinpricks of light, smothered by the encroaching darkness.
The two had been traveling in silence for what felt like hours. The growl from earlier still echoed in Heizen's ears, a phantom sound that wouldn't let him rest. He stole a glance at Luna, who moved with practiced ease, her bow always at the ready. Despite her outward calm, her eyes were sharp, scanning every shadow. She was just as wary as he was.
"How much farther do you think we can go tonight?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the soft crunch of their boots on the forest floor.