"How many people do you think?" whispered Sam, his face tense.
Aurel shook her head. "It's hard to guess, but I think it's more than three people."
"They are," Eric whispered, his jaw hardening. "We have to go. Now."
"But what if we meet them on the way?" Bella asked frantically.
"We take a different route," Eric answered quickly. "Through the forest, not the usual path."
Without needing another command, the group moved quickly but carefully. Eric led at the front, his eyes and ears alert, wooden spear ready in his hand. Adora walked behind him, her mind still raging with revelations about Levin, tears still welling up in her eyes. Sam and Aurel helped Dith in the center, one on the right and one on the left. While Bella and Layla closed the line, occasionally looking back.
"Slow dow
