The evening sky deepened into shades of violet and gold, the last traces of sunlight slipping behind the horizon. Birds soared overhead, returning to their nests as the forest slowly surrendered to night.
Among the trees, shadows moved.
Four figures weaved quietly through the narrow paths, their steps careful, their presence almost ghost-like. Not a word was spoken at first. Even their breathing was controlled, measured—as though silence itself was part of their survival.
Then—
"Ow! Lyn, you stepped on me!" Aaron hissed under his breath, stumbling slightly as he tried to regain balance.
"I did not!" Evelyn snapped back immediately, her voice just as hushed but no less sharp.
"Oh, of course," Aaron muttered. "Must have been the wind then, mm?"
Evelyn shot him a glare, barely visible in the dim light. "Why do you always—"
"Enough."
Joe's voice cut through them—low, firm, and final.
The bickering died instantly.
