.
.
The scent of damp earth and decay clinging to my senses as I crouched behind a fallen tree. My heart pounded in my chest, every beat a warning to stay quiet, to remain hidden. Cyprus moved ahead of us, his pace steady, unhurried. The unconscious form of Cassandra hung limply in his arms, her hair cascading over his shoulder like a waterfall.
I exchanged a quick glance with Nala and Bhetu. They were just as focused as I was, their eyes fixed on the dark figure moving deeper into the withered landscape. The trees here were skeletal, their branches stretching toward the sky like bony fingers. This place is completely eerie. I don't feel good here.
We had followed Cyprus for nearly an hour, careful not to step too close, our breaths hushed as we navigated the uneven terrain. He hadn't
