The forest felt different the moment they left the clearing.
Anisha couldn't explain it, but it was as if the world had shifted slightly out of place—like a painting that had been nudged just enough for the distortion to become noticeable. The air was cooler now, brushing against her skin in soft, whispering currents, yet beneath it lingered something heavier.
Something watching.
She walked beside Nhel, matching his pace, though her thoughts lagged far behind.
"You're quiet," he said without looking at her.
Anisha let out a small breath. "You say that like it's unusual."
"It is," he replied simply.
That almost made her smile. Almost.
Her gaze dropped briefly to her hands again. They still felt… unfamiliar. Not physically—she knew every line, every scar—but there was a strange awareness now, like something beneath her skin had woken up and was stretching for the first time.
"I can feel it," she admitted.
Nhel's steps slowed slightly. "Feel what?"
