Meanwhile, deep within the Evergreen Forest, the remaining immortals kept a watchful eye on their surroundings. Cassian stood near the edge of their temporary camp, his gaze sharp as he scanned the shadowy treeline. Zahara was a few steps behind him, her usual calm slipping into concern as she thought about the others who had left for the abandoned camp.
"They should be back by now," Elara murmured, brushing her hand nervously against the hilt of her dagger. Her violet eyes darted around the clearing as if expecting danger to emerge from the thick, oppressive forest that surrounded them.
"They will be," Kael said, his deep voice steady. He leaned against a large oak, his arms crossed, though even he couldn't hide the slight tension in his frame. "They're capable. Aurelia, Thalos, Eirik, Nyssa, and Lucius—they can handle themselves."
"Still," Zahara added softly, "what if they don't find the journal? Or worse... what if something finds them?"
"You're worrying over nothing," Isolde cut in, her voice sharp but calm. She turned her piercing gaze on the others, the firelight casting shadows on her face. "We've survived much worse. They'll come back."
The group fell into silence, but the uneasy feeling lingered. The five who had stayed behind couldn't help but imagine the worst. The forest felt darker, more sinister, as if it was hiding something just out of sight.
Cassian gave a low sigh. "I know it's hard, but we have to trust them. They know what they're doing."
Elara glanced over at Luna, who was laughing and playing with the Gloomlings, completely oblivious to the tension in the air. Her tiny giggles were a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere among the immortals.
"Look at her," Kael said, softening as he watched Luna's joyful play. "She doesn't have a care in the world. We could learn something from that."
Sylvaris, who had remained quiet up until now, stepped forward. His tall, graceful form moved like a shadow through the trees as he approached the group. His golden eyes, always so calm and reassuring, held a gentle smile as he looked at Luna and the Gloomlings playing nearby.
"They're right," Sylvaris said, his voice smooth and soothing. "Luna doesn't worry, and neither do the Gloomlings. They exist in the moment, untouched by fear." He waved a hand, and flowers bloomed around Luna's feet, their vibrant colors standing out against the darkening forest floor.
Zahara gave him a faint smile, but the worry still clouded her face. "I just can't shake the feeling that something could go wrong."
Sylvaris tilted his head, his eyes filled with wisdom beyond his years. "There's an old saying from my homeland: Worrying about tomorrow steals the joy of today. They will return safely. Until then, we should be like them," he gestured to Luna and the Gloomlings, "and focus on the beauty that surrounds us right now."
Isolde let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "You're always the philosopher, Sylvaris."
He gave a small bow. "Someone has to be the voice of calm among you."
The Gloomling leader, the wiry creature with large, glowing eyes, had been listening quietly from nearby. It scampered over, its high-pitched voice cutting through the conversation. "If you think bad thoughts, bad things happen. Think good thoughts, and good things will come."
Isolde raised an eyebrow at the small creature, clearly skeptical. "Is that so?"
The Gloomling nodded vigorously. "It's true! The forest listens to your thoughts. Think bad, and it will bring you trouble."
Sylvaris chuckled. "In a way, it's not wrong. Our thoughts shape our reality more than we realize."
Elara frowned, trying to push aside the dread still gnawing at her. "I suppose we should stop imagining the worst."
The sun had almost fully set by now, the sky above them turning a deep purple. The once vibrant flowers around Luna seemed to fade in the dimming light, and the air grew cooler. Even Luna's playful laughter seemed quieter now, as the thickening shadows whispered through the trees.
Suddenly, the distant sound of a whistle pierced the stillness.
The immortals froze for a moment, their instincts kicking in as they prepared for anything. But Sylvaris smiled knowingly, his golden eyes gleaming.
"They're returning," he said softly, his voice full of calm certainty. With a wave of his hand, the trees shifted and parted, creating a clear path for their companions.
Zahara let out a long breath of relief, her shoulders finally relaxing. "Thank the stars."
Cassian stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the darkened path where the others would soon emerge. "I knew they'd make it."
Elara and Kael exchanged a glance, both of them visibly relieved. Sylvaris lingered at the back of the group, watching with a quiet smile as the forest opened up for their returning companions.
"We worry too much," Kael muttered under his breath, shaking his head. "We've faced worse than this."
As they waited for the others to step out of the darkness, Sylvaris turned once more to the group. "Remember," he said softly, "we are stronger together. Whatever lies ahead, we will face it. Just as we always have."
The immortals gathered around the opening, watching as the first of their companions began to emerge from the shadows. Though the night had grown darker, there was a sense of peace that settled over them. They had faced the unknown before, and they would face it again.
And this time, they would do it as a family.