The forest changed as they walked. At first it was only subtle things. The rustle of branches overhead softened. The chirping insects that had followed them since the start began to fade. The deeper they moved, the more the world behind them felt distant, as though they were passing through an invisible veil that muted every sound. Daniel slowed without meaning to. Something in the air felt wrong, and every instinct inside him responded to it.
The trees grew taller here. Their branches twisted together so tightly that only threads of light passed through. The earth under their feet felt softer, as if something had disturbed the soil recently. Daniel glanced at Aria, hoping she sensed the same thing. She did. Her steps grew cautious. Her hands were already near her blades.
Torren lifted o
