As Dea and her companions delved deeper into the heart of the forest, a thick canopy of ancient trees closed in around them, casting the forest floor into shadow. The air grew heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, and a sense of unease settled over the group like a heavy cloak.
They moved cautiously through the undergrowth, their senses alert for any signs of danger lurking in the darkness. The sounds of the forest seemed to close in around them, the rustling of leaves and the distant cries of nocturnal creatures heightening their sense of apprehension.
With each step, the path grew more treacherous, the tangled roots and twisting branches threatening to trip them at every turn. Yet still, they pressed forward, their determination unwavering in the face of the unknown.
