Chapter 67: Shadows Unveiled

The fire crackled in the dim light of the clearing, sending sparks into the air as the group huddled closer to its warmth. The oppressive silence of the forest weighed on them, but no one dared break it with unnecessary words. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts, scanning the shadows that stretched beyond the reach of the fire, waiting for the attack they all sensed was coming.

Luke tightened his grip around the hilt of his sword, his knuckles turning white in the flickering light. His body was tense, every muscle coiled and ready to spring into action at the first sign of movement. Raven sat across from him, her sharp eyes constantly darting around the clearing, her bow resting in her lap, an arrow already notched and ready. Ava, usually calm, looked more on edge than ever, her fingers brushing the dagger at her side as if seeking comfort in its cold steel.