Aria nodded. "It felt like the magic inside it was unstable."
Rhys looked up the trail. "We should stay alert. There might be more creatures like it."
Caria stretched her arms. "Then we just smash them. Easy."
Lyra poked her shoulder. "You say that now, but next time try not to get tossed like a rag doll."
Caria shrugged. "Worth it."
Puddle peeked over a rock. "Puddle strong too! Puddle help again!"
Rhys smiled and patted Puddle gently. "You did great."
They rested for a few minutes before climbing again. As they went higher, the sound of running water reached them—a stream cutting across the path. The water was clear and cold.
Aria knelt and dipped her fingers in. "This water is fresh. Comes from somewhere higher."
Rhys nodded. "Then we follow it. Streams usually lead to caves or passes."
As they walked beside the stream, the air grew misty. Fog rolled down from the peaks above, making it harder to see.
Lyra slowed down. "Something feels off."
