The thick underbrush whispered threats, and the forest was closing on Thomas. Old trees, their roots gnarled and branches twisted, created a dense canopy above. Moonlight slipped through the leaves, softly lighting the blood-soaked ground. With every step Thomas took, the earth seemed to breathe beneath him, releasing cool, damp odors of decayed leaves and moss. The occasional cry of a distant night creature added to the haunting serenity, making the silence that followed even more profound and unsettling.
Suddenly, a sharp intrusion pierced through the thoughts swirling in Thomas’ mind. Matthew’s voice cut through the silence. Where the hell are you, Thomas? I went to Gabriel’s office, and he said you headed to my quarters, but you never came! Thomas could hear Matthew’s jaw clenching as
