Eli’s POV
The route ahead curved through the deep woodland, a labyrinth of shadows and secrets. Every step felt heavy, like the earth itself tried to drag us down. The air was dense, laden with the aroma of damp leaves and something darker—something I couldn’t quite describe but that set every nerve on edge.
I kept my attention fixated on Lucia’s back, studying her every motion. She was taking us deeper into the heart of the enemy’s country, and despite her pleas, despite the tears she’d wept, I couldn’t shake the sensation that this was all part of some elaborate farce. Trust was a luxury I could no longer afford.
“Stay close,” Eli’s voice pierced through the silence beside me. His eyes met mine, full with the same mix of determination and skepticism that I felt. “If anything feels off
