The journey continued, and each step became heavier for Noah and his companions. Their clothes were soaked in sweat, clinging to their bodies, and some began sharing their water bottles to avoid dehydration. The alphas still seemed to endure without problems, but the betas and omegas were already feeling the accumulated fatigue.
As the sun descended, the Lunar Forest was plunged into shadows. Night fell faster than expected, enveloping them in cold, damp air. They had not yet reached their destination, so they turned on the headlamps strapped to their heads and shortened the distance between them.
Finally, at 7 PM, they spotted the watch cabin in the middle of the clearing. They sighed in relief. That small wooden structure served as a resting point for travelers and forest patrollers. Upon arrival, the alphas took the initiative and set up a large tent where everyone could sleep together. Meanwhile, the omegas were in charge of lighting a campfire and preparing the food.
The heat from the fire and the aroma of the food lifted their spirits. The fatigue seemed to disappear when they began sharing jokes and laughter. There was a sense of camaraderie that seemed to erase the hardships of the journey. They even teased each other over trivial things, like the strong smell of sweat that lingered in the camp.
When they finished dinner, Mr. Dion decided to tell a story. He settled in the center of the tent, with the omegas to his right and the alphas to his left.
—Not many people have seen a unicorn in this forest —he began, with an enigmatic expression—. Only the chosen ones can. But listen closely: if you ever see one, do not follow it under any circumstances… or you'll be lost forever.
The flames of the fire crackled, as if reinforcing his words with a dramatic effect.
Noah felt a chill run down his spine, while Caleb clung tighter to his arm. His warmth contrasted with the cold seeping through the fabric of his clothes.
—I don't like these stories… —Caleb murmured, shrinking slightly.
Noah smiled slightly and gave his arm a gentle squeeze to reassure him.
—It's just a legend —he whispered—. Everything's fine.
The guide continued telling stories about the forest, some about spirits and others about creatures from ancient times. When the clock struck 10 PM, everyone decided it was time to sleep. The alphas would take turns keeping watch while the others rested.
However, high up in the trees, golden eyes shone in the darkness. Theo watched every movement inside the tent. His ears perked up when a nocturnal bird landed nearby.
"Theo! Rafael is coming! He must have detected the scent of that boy's pure blood," said the bird.
Theo growled in annoyance. Rafael was another fox spirit... one who wouldn't hesitate to take Noah away if he discovered his existence.
The fox leapt swiftly between the branches, looking for a solution. He needed to mask Noah's scent before it was too late. That was when he suddenly spotted a deer drinking water.
Without hesitation, Theo pounced on the animal and sank his fangs into its neck with brutal force. Blood gushed in large quantities, soaking the ground and filling the air with a metallic stench.
—CKAHHHAJ!
The deer's agonizing cry tore through the silence of the forest. In the tent, everyone woke up startled, some clinging to each other from the scare.
—W-what was that?! —an omega asked, his voice trembling.
Mr. Dion, trying to keep the group calm, sighed.
—Relax, it's just a deer. It was probably hunted by a predator. That's normal in these woods.
Even so, Caleb hugged Noah tighter, trembling.
—Noah… I'm scared…
Noah also felt a slight chill at the nape of his neck, but he didn't want to worry his friend further.
—It's okay —he whispered—. It's just part of the cycle of nature.
—Yeah, but…
—Let's get some sleep, Caleb. Tomorrow will be a new day.
The omega nodded with some fear and closed his eyes, curling up beside him.
Meanwhile, atop the trees, Theo licked the blood from his mouth with a satisfied smile. Now Rafael wouldn't find Noah.
—Tomorrow, when the eclipse arrives, you'll fall into my trap, my little angel.
The night passed, and with dawn came a dense fog that blanketed the entire forest. At 7 in the morning, the sun timidly began peeking through the leaves.
Mr. Dion allowed them to explore the area for a couple of hours before descending. But only within 50 meters of the camp. No one was to go beyond the permitted distance.
Despite the mist, the forest was breathtaking. The trees seemed to touch the sky, and the sounds of the fauna filled the air with a magical aura. Noah felt drawn to the beauty of the place, as if something was calling him from deep within the forest.
When the guide blew his whistle, everyone returned to the meeting point. After a headcount, they confirmed everyone was present. Then they had breakfast and took down the tents, which took them about an hour.
—It's time to descend —announced Mr. Dion. It was 10 in the morning.
—Understood, sir! —they all replied.
The descent was easier than the climb. Since it was downhill, the walk became faster and less exhausting.
Time began to pass quickly.
One hour…
Two hours…
They took a short break to rest.
Three hours…
Four hours…
But when the clock struck 2 PM, the sky began to darken suddenly, as the wind blew violently, shaking the branches with force.
Noah felt a shiver down his spine when Caleb whispered his name in a trembling voice.
—N-Noah…
Without thinking, Noah hugged him tightly.
Something was about to happen.
Theo smiled from the shadows.
—It's time.
...