The air in the Whispering Woods felt charged with anticipation as Marcus moved deeper into the forest. The golden orb glowed brightly in his pocket, guiding him like a beacon through the thick foliage. The woman—whose name remained a mystery—had vanished as quickly as she appeared, leaving him with a sense of urgency and determination.
As he walked, the atmosphere shifted. The sounds of the forest grew quieter, replaced by a low hum that vibrated through the ground. Marcus could feel the pulse of the woods beneath his feet, like a heartbeat, urging him forward. He stepped over tangled roots and ducked beneath low-hanging branches, each step drawing him closer to the trials he had yet to face.
