They pushed deeper into the forest, the dense canopy overhead swallowing the last traces of sunlight. The shadows seemed to grow darker, more oppressive, as if the forest itself were conspiring against them. Caleb took point, his blade ready as he scanned the underbrush for signs of movement.
Mia walked beside Zoe, her thoughts swirling like a storm. "What if we can't stop him?" she asked quietly.
Zoe glanced at her sister, her expression softening. "We will. We have to. That's all there is to it."
Mia didn't respond. The weight of the Shadow's words still clung to her, his claim that she and Zoe were integral to his plans echoing in her mind.
Finn stumbled over a root, catching himself before he fell. "This place is creepy as hell," he muttered. "Feels like we're walking into a trap."
"Everything feels like a trap," Caleb said without turning. "Doesn't mean we stop moving."
