They made camp again.

  Not far. But far enough from the ash.

  The jungle was quiet. Too quiet.

  No birds. No bugs. No breeze.

  Myla healed wounds with soft light.

  Grinsh winced, barked a joke.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Tesska grumbled, sparred shadows with one hand.

  Selena didn’t speak. She sat alone.

  Rell sharpened a bone-blade.

  His arms ached. Muscles sore. Mind… wrong.

  [THOUGHTS]

  Still breathing. But why feel like we lost something?

  Ishro and Zariin walked the perimeter.

  “You feel that?” Ishro said, low. “Something… unfinished.”

  Zariin nodded.

  “The vines were alive. But they didn’t act alone.”

  That night, they shared drinks.

  Laughed. A little.

  Myla made fruit wine. Grinsh told a story.

  Rell smiled. Barely.

  Selena stayed near the edge of the firelight. Watching. Guarded.

  Her eyes kept drifting toward Nerro.

  He sat too still.

  Later, Rell stepped away. Sat alone near the ridge.

  Above him — the spirit flickered. Silent.

  Just watching.

  [THOUGHTS]

  I have to make sure…

  No matter what…

  We all survive.