The forest seemed darker than usual, the very tall trees displaying long shadows that covered the small shine coming from the moonlight. Aveline's heart seized in her chest as she followed her father through the thick woods, her steps silent but with a purpose. Gabriel followed behind her, his presence a reassuring anchor in the storm of emotions threatening to consume her.
She kept her distance, her senses increased because of her distrust of her father. Thorne moved quickly and cautiously, as though he was aware of being watched. The tension in his body was noticeable even from afar. Aveline's instincts was telling her that whatever she was about to discover would change everything.
Finally, Thorne stopped at a small space that was cleared covered in shadows. Aveline and Gabriel crawled behind thick bushes, hidden from the eyes of people. The clearing was scarily quiet, only for the occasional rustle of leaves.
