The deeper we went into the forest, the harder it was for me to think or say anything. Shadows stretched long under the moonlight, twisting between towering trees. The night breeze carried the scent of wet ground, mingling with my ragged breaths. Hours passed, and still… there was no sign of Marcus. My chest tightened painfully. Each second that passed felt like an eternity.
"Marcus!" I screamed once more across the silence. "Baby... answer me!"
But the only response was the flapping of crows' wings and the distant calls of Crestfallen warriors still searching around the area.
Sarah kept her pace beside me, but she suddenly slowed down, her nose twitching as she took in a deep breath.
"Anything?" I whispered, holding back the tears that threatened to fall.
Sarah was silent for a moment before she shook her head. "I... no. His scent is faint… almost like it's being covered by something else."
My stomach twisted. "What?"
