Josh's POV

The forest pressed close as we moved, shadows swallowing what little light the moon offered. Every step felt like dragging myself through the ruins of more than just a battle. The clearing was behind us, but its weight clung to me: the blood, the smoke, the way Rissa had looked at me as if I were both a stranger and a ghost.

She walked ahead, shoulders tense, her steps uneven. Mark stayed at her side, steady as a wall, his silence sharp enough to cut. I followed behind, too near to ...