I stumbled, forcing myself upright, and surged forward, running through the dense forest as quickly as my aching legs could carry me. The steady chirping of birds punctuated the quiet, a soft counterpoint to my thudding heart. I glanced at the trees, their leaves dark and earthy, lacking the vibrancy of the Fae realm. At least here, I reassured myself, nothing was lurking to devour me. Bracing against the burning in my legs, I called out to Chiara and Enrico.
“Are you guys there?” I reached out, letting out a sigh of relief when I felt the connection settle in.
“Ella?” Chiara’s voice filled my mind, followed quickly by Enrico’s agitated tone. “Where the hell have you been?”
“It’s been "two days", Ella,” Enrico snapped, worry unmistakable in his voice. “You couldn’t just let us know you
