The forest stretched wide and quiet around them.
Tall trees rose like pillars of living wood, their canopies weaving together to filter the sunlight into soft, shifting patterns across the path. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the scent of moss and distant earth. Every footstep crunched lightly against fallen leaves and twigs.
They moved in a loose formation.
Luca walked at the front—not hurried, not slow. Just steady.
Aurelia followed close behind him, spear resting against her shoulder. Selena walked slightly to the side, eyes scanning the surroundings out of habit. Sylthara moved with silent ease, ears flicking at every distant sound. Lilliane trailed near the back, steps quiet, posture stiff, gaze unfocused.
And then there was Kyle.
He walked with his hands behind his head, eyes drifting lazily over the trees until something clearly began bothering him.
"…Hey," he said at last, breaking the silence. "Where's the big guy?Oh..sorry , I meant the 'small' guy."
