The forest seemed to close in on Liam as he ventured deeper, his heart heavy with the weight of Nicole's absence. Every step seemed to echo the ache within him, the gnawing emptiness that consumed his soul without Nicole by his side.
James and Garrett exchanged concerned glances as they followed him. He was tethered too close to the edge, and it made them wonder if they were going to have to wrestle with him in the forest.
The three of them trudged through the dense forest, their senses on high alert. They separated and scouted on their own for a while, checking bushes, barks, track prints, and sniffing the air.
"Anything?" Liam asked as soon as they found their way back to each other. His voice was laced with frustration as he scanned the surroundings, hoping for any sign, any clue that would lead him to Nicole.