The dense forest around us was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, the chirping of insects, and the occasional rustling of leaves. Each noise felt amplified in the stillness, setting my nerves on edge. My heart raced as the source of the rustling drew closer, the shadows shifting under the dim moonlight filtering through the canopy. Every step we took seemed to echo louder than it should, and I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched.
Lyrion signaled for us to halt, raising his hand. The rustling grew louder, closer. My hand instinctively gripped the hilt of my sword, ready to draw it at a moment's notice. The air was thick with anticipation, each of us poised for whatever might emerge from the underbrush.
