~HAZEL~

I didn't want to be useless in a fight if we encountered one of the monsters lurking in these woods. Since I had no fighting skills and no idea how to defend myself, I realized the only way forward was to learn. And since it was just my step-brother and I here, he was my only option.

"Ashton," I call softly, glancing at him as he moves ahead, carefully scanning the thick trees and tall grass for any signs of danger, ensuring it's safe for me to follow. He has been doing this ever ...