As the group's conversation around the campfire concluded, they prepared to settle down for the night. The atmosphere was calm, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves above and the crackling fire providing a comforting glow. However, as darkness enveloped the forest, a strange and unsettling aura began to permeate the air.
They noticed a subtle shift in the sounds of the forest. The usual chorus of nocturnal creatures seemed muted, replaced by an eerie silence that hung heavily around them. The once familiar rustling of leaves and the chirping of insects were noticeably absent, creating an uncanny stillness that sent a shiver down their spines.
The group exchanged concerned glances, their earlier confidence now tinged with unease. The shadows seemed to deepen and elongate, casting distorted shapes that played tricks on their eyes. Strange wisps of fog appeared, winding their way through the trees, adding an ethereal quality to the surroundings.