The forest was unnervingly silent, its usual nocturnal chorus muffled by the faint sounds of wind that disturbed the sleeping trees and grasses.
Mira crouched low behind a thick shrub, her bow slung over her back as her sharp eyes followed the dark figure moving ahead.
Seth walked with a purpose, unbothered by the eerie stillness, his movements deliberate yet relaxed.
Mira's breath came out in slow, practiced intervals. Years of hunting in the woods had taught her how to move like a shadow, and tonight was no different.
She had spent the past half an hour trailing this stranger, curiosity and suspicion driving her forward after what Garick told her.
"This one's different," she thought, her fingers brushing the hilt of her knife.
"He doesn't act like the others. Too calm. Too… calculated."
A sudden rustle to her left made her freeze. She scanned the darkness, her hand tightening on her weapon, but there was nothing there.
