The dawn broke quietly over the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of pink and orange as the group prepared to continue their journey. The forest, once shrouded in darkness, was now bathed in the gentle light of morning. Birds chirped from the treetops, and a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it the fresh scent of earth and pine.
Lucia stood at the edge of their makeshift camp, watching as Luke and Miranda packed their belongings. The events of the previous night weighed heavily on her mind—her conversation with Miranda about the pack, her memories of Nicholo, and, most of all, the tense exchange between Luke and Miranda. Although she had only heard snippets of their conversation, the seriousness of their discussion was enough to stir her worries.
She was still
