Quiet conversations continued around the fire. The low hum of voices mixed with the familiar chorus of crickets and frogs. Somewhere deeper in the trees, an owl hooted, the sound steady and unhurried. The warmth of the fire pressed against Danielle’s legs, and the smell of the chicken noodle soup in her bowl mingled with the earthy scent of the forest floor. Steam rose in gentle curls, carrying the faint aroma of herbs and cooked vegetables.
Briar had gathered Aaron, Allen, and Miguel close, leaning slightly forward, her elbows resting on her knees as she spoke. Danielle watched from across the fire, Rowan sitting nearby with Mason a little further off, eyes flicking toward the group every so often.
Aaron’s voice was small but curious. “What does it mean, that a spell was put on us?”
Al
