Casaio followed the faint trail of Dominick's wolf scent with hurried step. The forest was unnervingly still, but he could feel the heavy shadows. Thankfully, the lantern kept that at bay. Being brothers, their bond allowed them to sense each other's presence, but the deeper he went, the weaker that connection felt.
Worry deepened inside him. The candle inside the lantern was burning too fast, melting down to half its size.
"Nick!" Casaio called out, his voice echoing through the trees. "Nick, it's me! We have to go home, so reveal yourself!"
His calls broke the forest's silence again and again. He kept glancing at the lantern, its light flickering as though warning him that time was running out.
Then, through the haze, he saw Dominick, standing among the fog and crooked roots, bathed in the dim glow of spectral light.
Casaio sprinted forward, breath ragged, and grabbed his brother's shoulder. "Nick!"
Dominick turned slowly with a faint smile, but empty eyes.
