The group trudged through the dense forest, the tension from the battle still clinging to the air. Every sound—each rustle of leaves, snap of a twig—made Juliana's heart jump. She clutched the ancient book against her chest, its weight grounding her in the midst of her chaotic thoughts.
Hak walked a few paces ahead, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, his posture tense and alert. Jaxon followed close behind her, his usual grin replaced by a serious frown.
"Juliana," Hak called over his shoulder, his voice calm but firm. "Start reading. We need to know what's in that book."
Juliana hesitated, her fingers tightening on the leather cover. "What if it's just stories? Myths?"
Hak stopped and turned to face her, his sharp green eyes locking onto hers. "Myths always have roots in truth
