Azeo’s arms held McKenna firmly as he moved through the forest, shadows stretching and twisting with the unnatural energy that pulsed around them. Her head rested against his chest, heart hammering, every nerve alight with the lingering pull of the strange dimension she’d glimpsed. The forest itself felt alive, the air thick and heavy, almost pressing against her skin.
Her eyes fluttered open, but the familiar trees had warped into something alien. Branches curled impossibly, the ground beneath them soft as though it were breathing. Azeo moved with absolute control, his steps confident, yet the weight of the strange energy made each movement feel like wading through smoke.
“Where… are we?” McKenna’s voice was barely above a whisper, her fingers gripping his tunic as though the world migh
