Reaching the edge of the forest was when my anxiety finally flared, forcing me to a stop. Gone were the tall, sturdy trees to shield and protect me. Only a large, unplowed farm field lay between us and the highway.
When my feet finally touched the tarmac each way I faced, abandoned vehicles lay scattered. Whatever life had once been here having scattered with the wind. Only the rustling of litter could be heard amongst the faint chatter of flora around me.
"Nyx," I whispered, still wary even if System or I could detect beyond the for now harmless wildlife.
"Left is North," her faint, cold voice responded in my ear. My heart had now become more accustomed to this with her gentle help these months.
Her hand lifted and pulled back at the thick, fabric sling holding Izzy on my back.
"Is she awake?" I bit my lip, confused why the exhaustion and melatonin hadn't been good enough.
"No Mistress, just cute," she uncharacteristically replied.
