Chapter 18 Beneath The Surface

• The air was thick with tension as they moved through the dense forest, their footsteps muffled by damp earth and fallen leaves. The eerie quietness felt unnatural, pressing against Celeste’s senses like an unseen weight.
• Rowan took the lead, his gaze sharp, scanning the trees with the precision of someone who had spent too long watching for threats. Darian walked beside her, his face unreadable, his usual sharp remarks absent. Rafael remained at the rear, ever-watchful.
• “We need to rest soon,” Rowan finally said, breaking the silence. “We’ve been moving all night.”