••{GARRICK'S POV}••
Only the gods know how long we've been searching this forest.
My heart hasn't stopped racing for one second since we left the camp.
I force my way through the darkness with the torch in one hand and the other never straying too far from the hilt of my sword. Branches scrape against my arms and shoulders, and roots snag at my boots.
After seeing that three-eyed creature, every shadow between the trees looks like it might jump out and attack us.
"Your Majesty!" I shout again, my voice already turning hoarse.
There's no answer.
Beside me, Alexei calls out too.
"King Eros!"
Still nothing.
Thorian lifts his torch higher, turning slowly as he scans the trees around us. The flames throw long, wild shadows across the trunks, making the forest seem endless.
We keep going and at some point, the fear gives way to something duller and heavier.
Exhaustion.
