The sun had already begun its slow descent when the group returned to the main road. The wind had grown quiet again, but Celestia couldn't shake the chill running through her spine. Whatever she had heard in the grove still echoed in her ears.
No one spoke for a while. Even Nash, who always found something to joke about, remained silent. The burned camp left a weight on everyone’s shoulders. It was a reminder that this land was not safe—that war, fear, and pain still lived here.
“Do you think someone is following us?” Adelaide asked quietly, her eyes scanning the trees.
“No,” Leon said. “I don’t smell anything nearby. The wind would’ve carried it to us,” he added.
“Still... I want to stay alert,” Kieran muttered. He moved closer to Celestia, keeping her in sight at all times.
They rod
