The tension was palpable as the armed group led Mia, Zoe, Caleb, and the others through the dense forest. The tall woman who had claimed to be searching for Mia walked at the front, her movements steady and precise. She introduced herself as Ruby—a name that sent a ripple of unease through Caleb.
"Ruby?" he muttered under his breath. "This just got complicated."
Zoe, walking close enough to hear, narrowed her eyes. "You know her?"
"Not personally," Caleb replied, his voice low. "But I've heard stories. She's a power player—ruthless, calculating."
"Great," Zoe said dryly. "Another person we can't trust."
Mia didn't comment, her mind too full of questions. Why had Ruby called her "the one"? What did she mean by that? And why did the statue seem to hold power that no one could explain?
