The chariot moved slowly, carefully navigating the narrow, winding path through the Forest of Shadows. The trees loomed tall and close, their trunks dark and smooth, branches weaving together above them so the sunlight barely pierced through. Shadows clung stubbornly to the ground, pooling in corners, shifting with every step of the horses.
Lira kept her senses alert, her eyes scanning the undergrowth for movement, listening to the faint sounds of the forest—the rustle of leaves, the quiet chirping of hidden creatures. The fluffy puffs in her spatial bag stirred softly, curious but calm, as if sensing the tension outside.
Renkai's hand rested lightly on hers as he leaned forward slightly, scanning the road. "Almost through," he murmured, voice low. "Feels… like the forest doesn't want us here."
Lira nodded, tightening her grip on the reins she held loosely. "It's… cautious. Watching. But not hostile. We just have to respect it."
