Mia's legs burned as they trekked uphill, the path twisting sharply through the dense forest. Branches snagged at her clothes, leaves brushed her skin like whispers, and the cold night air sat heavy on her lungs. The climb felt endless, each step dragging them closer to the unknown. Her heartbeat thrummed in her ears, steady but fast, a constant reminder that there was no turning back.
Andrew moved beside her, their shoulders occasionally brushing. Even in the pitch-black forest, his presence was a steady anchor, a reminder that she wasn't alone. She glanced back once, catching sight of Mikee, who gave her a small, encouraging nod. Ramirez led the group with quiet confidence, with the Chambers' directions probably ingrained in her head, her headlamp turned off to keep them cloaked in darkness.
