The forest felt wrong.
Not quiet—quiet would have been a mercy. This was something else. A listening stillness, like the trees themselves were holding their breath and waiting to see what Aria would do next.
Her boots sank slightly into the damp soil as she stepped over twisted roots. Leaves brushed her arms. A bird called once in the distance, then stopped abruptly, as if silenced mid-note.
Lyr’s voice echoed in her memory. When the woods go silent, Moonfire will know before you do.
Moonfire was already stirring.
A warm flicker behind her ribs. A warning. Not fear—anticipation.
She exhaled slowly. “I know,” she muttered to herself. “I know. Something’s off.”
She hated that she had volunteered for this patrol. Hated that her curiosity and stubborn pride had convinced her she could w
