Ember Frost’s POV

After the trouble we ran into last time, no one wanted to take chances again. We came prepared. Some of the team carried small containers of thick tree sap, while others brought strips of cloth soaked in oil to help the flames catch faster. A few torches were packed along, and one of the archers carried a folding bow that could easily be opened when needed.

No one said it out loud, but we all understood the reason. The forest we were walking into wasn’t normal. If ...