**Elena’s POV**
The forest was a tapestry of greens and browns as Jake, Rykor, and I continued down the winding pathway, our footsteps creating a hushed rhythm that resonated through the silent woods. We had been walking for hours, guided only by rumours and the elusive trail left by those who had come this way before us. I felt lost, both physically and mentally, as the weight of our journey pressed down on me.
Jake’s voice broke the stillness. His usual playful tone tinged with agitation. “Do you even know where we’re going, Elena?” he asked, his footfall a little louder as he moved to my side.
I paused, looking around at the towering trees and the canopy of leaves filtering the dappled sunlight. The path seemed to stretch endlessly, each twist and turn indistinguishable from the last
