The forest gradually changed as Liam and Tatiana followed the sound of rushing water, the noise becoming clearer with every step they took. At first it was nothing more than a faint rumble hidden beneath the endless chorus of birds and rustling leaves, but before long it grew into a constant roar that echoed through the trees.
Thick vines hung between towering trunks while enormous emerald leaves brushed against their shoulders as they walked. Shafts of golden afternoon sunlight pierced through the canopy above, painting moving patterns across the forest floor as the breeze gently swayed the branches overhead. The air itself became cooler the farther they traveled, carrying with it a refreshing scent of clean water mixed with wild flowers.
Tatiana walked several steps ahead, following the sound with absolute confidence. Every now and then she'd pause, tilt her head slightly like a wolf catching a distant scent, then nod before continuing again.
"I told you I heard it."
