(Juliana's POV)
The forest grew darker as we followed Hak, the dense canopy above swallowing the last light of the setting sun. The air was cool and damp, carrying with it the faint scent of earth and pine. Every step we took felt heavier than the last, the tension between us thick and unspoken.
Jaxon walked beside me, his posture rigid, his hand never far from the hilt of his blade. Hak led the way, his movements confident yet cautious as he navigated the twisting paths through the trees.
"Where is this safe house?" Jaxon asked, his voice breaking the silence.
"Not far," Hak replied without turning. "It's hidden deep in the woods, far from prying eyes."
"And we're just supposed to trust that?" Jaxon muttered under his breath, his tone laced with suspicion.
I placed a hand on his arm
