A FEW HOURS LATER
MICHAEL'S POINT OF VIEW:
The forest swallowed us whole as we left the healer's hut behind. The air shifted the moment we crossed the boundary into the Briar Hollow, thicker, heavier, like something unseen was breathing down our necks. The trees here were ancient things, their gnarled roots twisting like skeletal hands across the ground. And everything was covered in a heavy mist, curling around us in ghostly tendrils. Vanessa muttered under her breath, brushing a cobweb off her shoulder.
"Why do cursed herbs always grow in creepy places?"I asked.
Damien chuckled dryly.
"Maybe they're shy."Damien said.
Adrian, normally calm, had his hand permanently resting on the hilt of his sword. Even he was on edge.
"Focus." I warned. "The Thornwood herb glows faintly green when it's mature. Keep your eyes open."
