The Red Mist [PART 1]

The entire landscape panned out before them as they moved forward. Compared to before where everywhere was simple to navigate, things became a bit more complicated than that.

Their boots sloshed against a thin, murky film of water that clung to the ground, slippery as oil.

Step by step, the water rose, creeping up their ankles, then their shins, clinging with a cold grip that seeped through leather and cloth.

Each of their steps sank deeper, pulling harder as if the ground wanted to hold them there.

Northern, noticing what a toll this simple transportation was costing everyone, glanced at Ryan. A sly grin broke through the strain on his face. His eyes glinted, a challenge in their depths.

A wordless exchange passed between them, one that needed no explanation.

Ryan's brow furrowed, his jaw clenched—he knew what Northern was asking of him, even if he wasn't thrilled by it.