The forest was alive with muted sounds—leaves rustling in the soft breeze, distant bird calls, and the faint crunch of footsteps as Juliana and her group moved carefully along the winding path. Hak walked slightly ahead, his sharp eyes scanning the terrain for any sign of danger, while Selene kept pace beside Juliana, her presence calm yet commanding.
Juliana's fingers brushed against the ancient book tucked under her arm. Its leather cover was warm to the touch, as if alive, pulsing faintly with a power she didn't yet understand. She glanced back at Jaxon, who brought up the rear, his wary gaze constantly shifting.
"We're being followed," Jaxon said after a few minutes, his voice low but certain.
Hak halted abruptly, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. "How many?"
