The forest hummed with the subtle pulse of life as Lira's group advanced. The morning mist clung to leaves and roots, carrying faint whispers of unseen creatures. Every so often, a rustle or shimmer in the undergrowth hinted that they were not alone.
Lira paused near a fallen log, brushing her hand across the moss. She felt the familiar tug of Spirit energy—different, yet faintly resonant with her own.
"Do you feel that?" she asked quietly, motioning to the others.
Thalanir crouched, scanning the forest floor. "Something… subtle. Almost like the earth itself is breathing differently here."
Before anyone could respond, a soft voice emerged from the shadows.
"Please… don't hurt me."
From behind a tangle of roots and overgrown ferns, a young girl stepped cautiously. Her dark braided hair was streaked with green, and her wide, golden-flecked green eyes were filled with fear and wonder. She froze, gaze locked on Lira.
