Chapter 29 The Shadow's Gambit

• The forest was cloaked in twilight, the shadows growing long as the sun dipped below the horizon. The team had made camp in a secluded grove, hoping the dense canopy would offer them some protection. Despite their efforts to maintain vigilance, an air of unease lingered among them.
• Clara and Ethan were deep in discussion by the campfire, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. The night was unusually quiet, the usual sounds of the forest absent as if holding its breath.
• “We need to be smart about this,” Ethan said, his gaze fixed on the flames. “Riley’s warning might be genuine, but it could also be a diversion. We can’t afford to let our guard down.”