On another corner of the forest, the last trio of Carole, Zack, and Sia made their way through the dense woods.
The filtered sunlight barely reached the forest floor, casting long shadows that seemed to move with the wind.
Sia led the group confidently, her fiery braid swaying as she moved. Zack and Carole trailed behind her, the uneven ground making Zack grumble under his breath.
"This is ridiculous," Zack muttered, kicking at a stray rock. "We've been walking forever. Are we sure she even knows where she's going?"
Sia turned her head slightly, her sharp ears catching his complaint. Without stopping, she smirked. "I can hear you, you know."
Zack stiffened. "I—I wasn't saying anything bad."
"Uh-huh," Sia replied, clearly amused. She slowed her pace slightly, glancing over her shoulder. "If you're tired, Zack, I can hold your hand and guide you like a lost child."
