They continued their journey with heavy steps but filled with determination. Shadows in the forest grew denser, and the trees around them appeared twisted with an eerie strangeness, as if the forest itself were alive, watching every move they made.
Cassie inhaled the cold air that pierced her lungs. The strength she had felt earlier slowly faded, leaving a deepening sense of exhaustion. But the drive to press on remained lit within her heart, even though she knew the threat they faced would not be easily defeated.
The man glanced at Cassie, his eyes filled with concern. "We don't have time to stop, but you have to stay strong, Cassie. This journey is far from over," he said gently.
Cassie only nodded. She didn't remember much about this dark world—everything felt blurry, vague in her memory. But one thing was certain: something was lurking, something far darker than just shadows.
