Novel's POV

Alexei rushed to assist me down from the carriage. I offered him a small smile before he hurried off to help the others pitch the tents.

Since I didn't know the first thing about securing canvas or tying knots, I simply stood there, feeling useless. I watched the flurry of activity until Emilia left my side to join the effort, leaving me alone in the deepening shadows of the trees.

The forest was breathtaking, but as I took in the ancient beauty of the pines, a strange chill prickled my skin.

“Novel...”

The sound was barely a breath, a haunting whisper carried on the wind that seemed to...