Reunited
Finn straightened, looking at each of them in turn. Despite their weariness, he could see a spark of readiness in their eyes. Even Lina, who complained the loudest, was suppressing her excitement.
"Let's head back to the eastern edge," he said after a moment. "We'll retrace the footprints after entering into the forest. That's the best lead we've got."
The group murmured their agreement, and they began to move out. They made a conscious effort to keep their steps light, whispering their instructions so as not to wake the villagers.
By the time they reached the eastern edge, the moon hung high above, casting its pale light over the dense forest that loomed before them. The shadows of the tall trees stretched ominously across the sandy ground, creating an almost surreal landscape.
They paused at the boundary, exchanging a glance. No words were needed to convey what each of them felt—fear, determination, and an unspoken promise to bring Kyle back.