Lucas shrugged, feigning indifference. "Nola, you're always so distrustful; it's quite disheartening."
The air in the thorny forest was thick with decay, and the crunch of dead branches and leaves underfoot sounded like a soft whimper.
"Have you been here before?" I asked.
"Yes. I almost lost my life last time."
We walked slowly, with Lucas scattering powder as he went. The fog thickened, making the path ahead nearly invisible. Suddenly, the thorny vines behind us seemed to stir, trembling slightly.
"Something's not right," I whispered to Carlos.
"These vines are definitely off."
"You're quite perceptive, Nola," Lucas said from ahead, a hint of mockery in his tone.
He quickly moved ahead, putting distance between us. Suddenly, the surrounding vines began to tremble violently. Thick
