The trees pressed in close as they drove, the narrow road winding through the dense forest in a way that made Danielle uneasy. She had wandered this town, knew its streets, its hidden paths, but she had never seen this road before. It felt like it had appeared out of nowhere, a secret passage only those who belonged were allowed to know.
Christina sat beside her, hands gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual. She wasn’t talking. No teasing, no commentary, just a quiet focus that felt out of place. Danielle shifted uncomfortably, stealing glances at her. The silence was almost worse than whatever awaited them.
Danielle swallowed, rubbing her palms against her jeans. “You’re quiet,” she said, trying to sound casual.
Christina gave a small, almost absent nod. “Yeah.”
That was it. N
