Morning light filtered weakly through the high canopy, turning the forest floor into a patchwork of dull gold and shadow. Moisture clung to bark and leaves. The ground smelled of wet soil and crushed greenery. Nothing moved loudly. Even the insects seemed to choose their moments carefully.
Robert finished checking the edge of their temporary hiding spot and returned to the group. No one spoke. They had already said what mattered the night before. Plans sounded simple in whispers. Reality inside the forest was rare.
He looked at Sai once. That was enough. Sai rose without a word and adjusted the strap on his sword. His expression held calm focus, the kind built from observation rather than confidence. Eissa noticed the exchange and gave the smallest nod. Ronan tightened his grip on his spear. Sarah and Taylen lowered themselves deeper into the brush, where their presence blended with the shadows.
