The air was charged with electricity as if the forest knew we were heading toward something that would change our lives forever. We had left the Oracle's territory hours ago, but the feeling of being watched hadn't faded. Every creak of branches or whisper of wind made our hands instinctively reach for our weapons.
Ezra led the group with his usual upright posture and stern gaze. Caroline walked just behind him, her mind elsewhere. Liam and Senua stayed farther back, in a sort of uce, while Khael and Rhea guarded the flanks, alert to any signs of danger.
“This is ridiculous,” Liam finally muttered, breaking the silence. “How much longer until we reach that damned Tower?”
“Not much,” Ezra replied without turning his head. His tone was dry, as though his patience was running thin.
“And h
