Chapter 41

FORTY-ONE

The wind sounded through the dense forest as Ava's group moved slowly along the narrow dirt path. 

The trees felt tall and unnatural, their branches were moving like skeletal fingers in the fading light. The journey had been tense from the start, but tonight, something felt really different. 

Ava increased her grip on the rope of her horse, her senses were on high alert. Micah rode ahead, his sharp eyes scanning the path, while Caleb rode beside her, very quiet. 

"You feel that?" Ava murmured, her voice was just loud enough for Caleb to hear. 

"We are being watched." Caleb gave a small nod, his hand was on the hilt of his dagger. 

Micah looked over his shoulder. 

"Finally caught on, did you?" His voice was low, but there was no mistake in the edge. 

"How long?" Ava's heart beat hard. 

"Since sundown," Micah replied.