The cold wind of the forest twisted through the branches, and dry twigs snapped under Arin's feet. His heart raced—not just from the exhaustion of travel, but from an unknown fear lurking in the darkness.
Suddenly, the clash of steel and a terrifying cry came from a small clearing. Arin cautiously approached and saw a burly man in battered armor fighting several wild creatures.
Daren's eyes were filled with anger and fear; his hands shook, yet he skillfully guided his sword. He did not want to be seen by Arin, unsure if he could trust anyone.
Arin took a deep breath and said firmly,
"I am Arin… if you want to survive, you need to join me."
Daren paused, his eyes shadowed with doubt and the pain of his past. His heart whispered that he could not trust anyone again, yet the danger of shared enemies was undeniable. Finally, he lowered his sword and said,
"Then I will go with you… but every move will be fraught with danger, and I will remain vigilant."
Arin smiled, though inside he knew this alliance was fragile, and trust would have to be built slowly. And thus, the first member of his group, Daren, joined his journey—with a heart full of experience and shadows of a past still haunting him.