Glimpse of their Paths (2)

As Kaelen and Thane trudged through the undergrowth, the mist clung to the forest, thicker and more unnerving than before. Thane led the way, cutting a sure path as if he knew every twist and turn, while Kaelen stayed close behind, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings.

As they walked, Kaelen broke the silence.

"Earlier, I ran into some... figures. They didn't have faces. I was wondering if you knew what they were. Are they even... human?"

Thane slowed his pace, glancing back at him with a nod.

"Those things? Folks call them 'Stalkers'. They used to be people, as far as anyone can tell."

"Used to be?"

"Yeah..."

Thane's expression grew grim as he pushed a low-hanging branch out of their way.