Ava’s POV
The further we pushed into the heart of the pack, the more it felt like reaching the Seer was slipping through our fingers like sand. The quiet wrapped around us tight as a blanket, making every little thing stand out—a black bird flapping off a branch or the crunch of dead leaves under our boots.
“Anybody got a clue where we’re even going?” Arin asked from behind me, his voice cutting the hush.
“Straight down the road to damnation, that’s where,” Leo shot back, and Arin let out a snort, giving his shoulder a smack. But with each footfall, the weight seemed to build, like the dirt itself was fighting back, not wanting us to keep on.
“No markers, no clear ways, zilch!” Arin griped.
“Maybe it’s a test,” Leo threw in. “But if it is, we’ve bombed it already!”
We all let out a l
