Madison and Alice moved swiftly through the dense forest, the sunlight above filtered by the thick canopy. The air was heavy with the scents of damp earth and vegetation. Madison had filled Alice in on everything—the vision, Bella's certainty, and the mission ahead. Alice, usually sharp-tongued and skeptical, walked silently beside her, processing the information.
Their pace was hurried but calculated, mindful not to exhaust themselves. Twigs cracked beneath their feet, and birds scattered as they passed. Madison's mind raced with thoughts of Nate—if he was truly alive, where he could be, and what state he might be in.
Alice finally broke the silence. "You know," she said softly, her voice cutting through the ambient forest sounds, "I never thought I'd be doing this again. Running headfirst into danger."
Madison glanced at her. "Why did you agree to come, then?"