The forest of Dornas was not ordinary.
Ancient.
Dense.
Alive.
The trees stood tall, as if watching those who dared to cross their paths. In many places, the sunlight barely reached the ground, creating shadows that seemed to move on their own.
The procession advanced at a steady pace.
Horses.
Guards.
Hunters.
And, in the center…
the carriage.
Lythiel remained silent, observing through the window. Her eyes scanned every detail of the forest.
Something was wrong.
She didn't know what.
But she felt it.
Suddenly, she placed her hand on her stomach.
Her breath caught in her throat for a moment.
"Stop," she said.
The carriage began to slow down.
Kael didn't hesitate.
"Stop."
Lhamark, ever attentive, was the first to reply:
"Immediately, Mr. Dornas."
The entourage slowed to a complete stop.
Madhalene helped Lythiel down.
The sound of the nearby stream was soft.
Tranquil.
Deceptive.