[Dense Forest—Deeper In—Leif's Pov]
The air shifted the moment we crossed the threshold of trees. The crisp bite of mountain wind was gone, smothered by a damp heaviness that clung to the skin. Mist curled at the roots, weaving around our boots as if the forest itself meant to swallow us whole.
Branches creaked above us, the sound like whispers slipping through the mist. I stuck close to Alvar, one hand on the crimson wolves' fur, the other gripping my cookie-crumbed bag like it contained holy relics.
"Okay, okay, maybe my magic words didn't work," I whispered dramatically. "But what if the elves are just testing us? Like… waiting to see if we're worthy?"
Alvar didn't even glance back. "If they're testing anyone, it's me. Not your absurd chanting."
I opened my mouth for a retort—but then something strange happened.
The horse behind us halted. Its ears twitched, then pinned flat. The wolves froze too, hackles raised, glowing eyes narrowing into the mist.
