The village dwindled in the distance behind us, its people standing strong in the morning light, like fresh roots sprouting in soil that had once been poisoned. Though our journey called us forward, the resolve of those villagers was etched into my memory. They had taken up a torch they didn't even know they held, their fear dissolving into something greater. I could only hope our next steps would sow seeds just as fruitful.
As we continued along the narrow, winding path, the forest around us grew denser, its shadows twisting into strange shapes that seemed to dance just at the edge of our vision. I glanced at Raven, who was quiet but alert, her eyes scanning our surroundings. Leif walked slightly ahead, his posture tense, as if expecting an ambush at any moment. Zara brought up the rear, her staff held firmly in hand. Each of us was more aware than ever of the dangers lurking, the remnants of darkness that still threatened to resurface.
