The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the subtle scent of pine and damp earth as Ariston and Devon wandered deeper into the forest. Ariston had grown used to the quiet of these moments, the serenity that came with walking side by side with the boy. Devon’s laughter echoed through the trees, bright and innocent as he tried to match his stride with Ariston’s long steps.
“Look! A rabbit!” Devon pointed eagerly toward a small creature darting into the undergrowth, his eyes wide with wonder.
Ariston chuckled, ruffling Devon’s messy hair. “You’ve got sharp eyes, kid.”
Devon grinned, his energy boundless as he hopped from one spot to the next, unaware of the growing tension creeping into Ariston’s chest. Something was wrong. He couldn’t shake the feeling - like a presence lurking just be
