The forest stretched endlessly before them, cold and silent under the early morning mist. Every tree seemed to lean inward, whispering secrets as the trio made their way along the forgotten trail. The ground was damp from the night rain, and the air was thick with the scent of moss and decay.

Selene walked slightly ahead, her cloak dragging over roots and fallen leaves. She could feel it, the pulse of something ancient calling her forward. Darius followed close behind, his eyes scanning the ...