The night was strangely quiet, the usual sounds of the forest absent. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath, as if the world itself was waiting for something. Vell sat cross-legged by the fire, his eyes reflecting the flames as he stared into the darkness beyond. The others were scattered around, some eating, others tending to their wounds, but all of them felt the tension in the air.
Jia sat apart from the group, her back against a tree, her gaze distant. She hadn't spoken much since they left, and her silence was a heavy presence. Yenna glanced at her occasionally, concern etched on her face, but she didn't approach. Now wasn't the time.