Chapter 22

The woods seemed vibrant as we moved further into its darkness, its typical calm disrupted by a subtle, continuous buzz of discomfort. The night breeze was chilly, yet my skin felt hot from the burden of all we had abandoned. Chloe rested peacefully in my embrace, her little face at ease despite the turmoil of the previous hours.

Noah strolled next to me, his pace firm, even though his shoulders bore an obvious strain. He hadn't spoken much since we departed, and for a change, I appreciated his quietness. My mind was vocal enough for the two of us.

"Noah finally spoke, breaking the silence, 'We ought to locate a place to rest soon.'"

I looked at him, my eyebrows knitting together. "We've been walking for just one hour."