Mark’s POV

We didn’t talk as we moved. The forest seemed to swallow every sound, our footsteps, our breaths, even the tension that hung between us. It was like the world itself was holding its breath, waiting to see which one of us would break first.

Rissa walked ahead, Josh leaning against her, his weight a burden she carried, and I felt her pain. I stayed behind, close enough to watch, far enough to keep from saying what I wanted to.

It wasn’t the danger that scared me. It was quiet. ...