The morning light broke through the mist in thin golden threads, dappling the forest floor. The air was still — unnervingly so.
Lena pulled her hood tighter.
"I've got bad news… and good news."
Tomoe didn't even look up from her pack. "Carrots first. Give me the good news."
"The Collector won't be hunting us anymore," Lena said flatly.
Nycto's eyes narrowed. "How come?"
Lena stepped off the path and pointed toward the looming treeline.
"Because we're about to enter the Jade Queen Garden."
Tomoe stilled. "We knew we'd have to cross it sooner or later." Her voice was calm, but there was a faint edge in it. "The important thing is… do we have everything we need?"
Al Haitham hesitated. "…I don't know."
"Then let's check," Lena said. "Start us off, Haitham."
He straightened, reciting like a schoolboy in an exam.
"Compass. Waterproof map. Four emergency whistles."
Nycto gave an approving nod. "Good. Everyone make sure you have a whistle."
"My turn," Lena said, flipping open her pack. "Comprehensive first aid kit: antivenom, bandages, antiseptic, tweezers. Waterproof matches. Candle stub. Chlorine dioxide tablets."
Tomoe went next, holding up a small pouch.
"Fishing kit — hooks, line, small net. Food's running low: no more nuts, bars, dried fruit, or jerky. Just a few edible plants. Metal bottle for everyone. Extra clothing."
Nycto raised a hand. "And—"
Tomoe raised a brow. "And what?"
"My coffee. How am I supposed to wake up in the morning without it?"
Tomoe smirked. "Not my problem."
Nycto sighed theatrically. "Fine. What about the machete?"
Lena frowned. "What machete?"
"For path clearing," Nycto said seriously.
Al Haitham tilted his head. "You have katanas. You don't need a machete."
Nycto stared at him, scandalized. "You think a katana should be used for path clearing?"
Haitham grinned. "Do it, and I'll share my chocolate with you."
Nycto paused. "…Chocolate?"
Tomoe's eyes widened. "Wait—you have chocolate?"
Lena crossed her arms. "How long have you been holding out on us?"
Haitham backed away slowly, clutching his pack. "It's my chocolate. Be cool. I've been saving it… for when morale is low."
Nycto muttered, "Well, congratulations. Morale is officially low."
The laughter faded as their eyes drifted to the treeline. Mist curled around the greenery like living fingers, swallowing the light.
Lena's voice was firm. "Alright. Jokes over. The Jade Queen Garden doesn't forgive mistakes. Once we step inside… no wandering off, no noise, and keep your eyes open."
One by one, they shouldered their packs and faced the shadows.
The garden waited.