WHISPERS AT DUSK

Eleanor felt her heart racing as she and Simon guided a small group towards the origin of the scream. They moved quickly yet carefully, with weapons prepared and their senses alert. The trees appeared to encircle them, the forest becoming darker and more suffocating as they walked.

They arrived at a tiny, open area where the scream had come from. The discovery sent shivers down Eleanor's spine. A youthful scout was stretched out on the ground, his wide eyes filled with terror, and his body contorted in an unusual manner. Carved into the tree's bark above him was one word: "Traitor."

Eleanor's thoughts were racing. This was not just a normal assault. It was a communication, an alert. The necromancer was aware of their approach. The cloaked individual was not only watching but also participating in the dangerous game.

"We must retreat," Simon murmured, his voice barely audible. "This might be a trap."