Chapter 82: Whispers in the Dark

The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a soft glow on the forest clearing where the four friends had spent the night. The embers of their fire were fading, and a faint mist clung to the ground, giving the scene an otherworldly, dreamlike quality. As Luke, Ava, Lila, and Jake stirred awake, each felt the lingering warmth of the previous night's conversations, a comforting reminder of their bond and purpose.

As they packed up their camp, a strange silence settled over the forest. Birds were typically singing their morning songs by now, but today there was an eerie stillness. The only sounds were the occasional crackle of leaves underfoot and the soft rustle of the mist as it swirled around them.

"Does anyone else feel like we're being watched?" Ava whispered, glancing over her shoulder.

Jake chuckled, though his voice was low. "Don't be paranoid, Ava. Probably just a curious animal or something."