As Dominica's team pushed inland, voices sharp with orders, Lira's group pressed deeper into a massive tangle of shrubs and low branches. The leaves were thick enough to hide them, though thorns scratched at their arms.
Maelin carefully unfolded the map, holding it between them so no stray light would catch on it. The parchment was marked with twisting lines, strange runes, and faint sketches of landmarks.
"Do you recognize anything?" whispered one of their teammates, nervously glancing toward the sounds of Dominica's group fading into the distance.
Lira squinted, pointing to a crooked symbol near the lake's edge. "That could be the split oak tree… I've seen it from the water before. If we start from there, we can orient the rest."
The group leaned closer, excitement and tension burning in their eyes as the treasure hunt truly began.
