Rhydan’s POV
The forest didn’t feel the same anymore.
It had been quiet when they entered.
Too quiet.
Now it felt awake.
Every branch snapped louder beneath his boots. Every gust of wind carried something wrong through the trees.
Rhydan slowed.
Behind him, Kaelor moved silently through the dark while Draven stayed near the back, eyes constantly scanning.
And in the middle—
Aurenya.
She looked steady.
Too steady.
That bothered him more than if she had looked afraid.
Her face was pale beneath the moonlight, her breathing controlled, but he could feel it.
The shift in her.
The bond had gone quieter after the clearing.
Not weaker.
Quieter.
Like something had finally stopped hiding.
Rhydan hated it.
He glanced toward her again.
She was staring ahead.
Focused.
But distant.
