Kael's POV
The forest path stretched like a ribbon carved through endless green, quiet except for the rhythm of our boots and the soft rustle of leaves above. My backpack dug into my shoulder, the weight a constant reminder of everything we'd left behind.
Henry groaned dramatically for the fifth time in the last ten minutes.
"We've been walking for hours now—literal hours—from that neighboring village. We're still not there. And worst of all… we haven't passed a single person. Not one. Are you sure this is the right path?"
Despite the dull ache pulsing in my chest, I let out a breathy laugh.
"Yes, we're on the right path," I said, glancing at him. "Blackwood isn't like Nightshade. Nightshade is developed—paved roads, cars everywhere. Here… it's different."
Henry raised a brow. "Different as in… what? You guys ride chariots around here?"
I snorted. "Not exactly."
