Chapter 18: Dark Hunter.
The sun had nearly disappeared behind the trees, leaving the forest swallowed in shadow. The chill of night was already creeping in, biting at their skin and sinking into their bones.
The group stood in a small clearing surrounded by thick trees. Though there was space to see a short distance around them, the darkness beyond felt a little suffocating.
"We shouldn’t build a fire," Sofise said. Her voice was quiet. "It’ll draw too much attention."
Tarese crossed her arms. "And without it, we might get attacked by something we can’t see. I’d rather deal with that than sit in the dark waiting to die."
Sofise frowned and narrowed her eyes. She looked ready to argue but stopped herself. There wasn’t anything wrong with the logic. Arah agreed with parts of it too. Seeing what was coming was better than being caught off guard. But if beasts kept showing up through the night, they’d be worn down before morning. That would cost them more in the long run.
Up in a tree, Iane lay stretched out across a thick branch. He held a grape between his fingers, dangling it above his mouth.
"If that’s the plan, fine," he said lazily, not bothering to look down. "I respect your decision."
He didn’t really agree or disagree. He was leaving it up to them.
"One of us should keep watch," Arah said. "Four-hour shifts each."
Everyone nodded.
The last trace of sunlight vanished, and the forest slipped into full darkness. Shadows settled deep between the trees, and every soft sound around them felt sharper.