The forest was waiting.

Lyla could feel it the moment she and her scouting party stepped beyond the edge of camp.

The air was thicker here, laced with something old. Something watching.

Dani was at her side, her usual sharp wit replaced by silent tension.

Eli was just behind them, his presence steady, but his hand never strayed far from the dagger at his hip.

Jorah had insisted on coming, along with two other warriors from Alder.

Lyla didn’t argue.

Because whatever they were ...