Appearances can be deceiving

The forest was silent, save for the faint rustling of leaves and the occasional crunch of twigs underfoot. Thalindra moved ahead of me, her sharp eyes scanning the shadows with unwavering focus.

The little fox nestled in her arms was a stark contrast to her fierce demeanor, his small body a bundle of soot-streaked fur and exhaustion. 

I trailed behind her, every step a careful negotiation with the uneven forest floor. My ankle throbbed faintly despite the hasty healing spell, and I couldn't shake the feeling that the darkness around us was watching. 

"Keep up," Thalindra said without looking back, her voice low and clipped. 

"I'm trying," I muttered, stumbling over a root. My irritation bubbled to the surface, but the knot of fear in my stomach kept it in check.