Malric's Pov

The forest stretched endlessly, swallowing them whole. Every tree looked the same, tall, ancient, mocking their footsteps. The sound of boots crunching over leaves had become a rhythm of frustration and fatigue.

Reyna broke the silence first, groaning loudly.

"Are you sure you know where we're going, Malric? Because it feels like we've been walking around the same damn rock for the last five days."

I didn't answer at first. My eyes were fixed on the terrain ahead, senses sharpened, every sound dissected.

"Malric," she pressed, hands on her hips. "Be honest. You're lost."

"I'm not lost."

"Uh-huh." She folded her arms. "Then how come that tree looks...