The journey had been quiet for hours. Lyra, Mina, and Elias moved cautiously through the forest, the shadows growing longer as the day turned into night. The only sound was the occasional rustle of leaves and the soft breathing of Lyra's son, cradled in her arms.
Elias led the way, his steps careful but confident. Mina walked close to Lyra, her face tense with worry. The air felt heavy, as if something was about to happen.
"Do you think we're safe?" Mina asked softly, breaking the silence.
Lyra glanced at Elias before answering. "I don't know," she admitted. "But we can't stop now. Not until we're far away from Alaric and his reach."
Mina nodded, though her worry didn't fade. She looked at Elias, her mistrust still lingering. "Do you think he knows where we are?"
