The wind whispered through the trees of the Bestiary Mountain Forest, brushing leaves with such intensity that the branches shivered, making it look like a horror show opening.
Despite all that, Raven led the group through the undergrowth, following Nibbles' crude yet impressively detailed leaf map.
Around them, the squirrel squads moved like trained operatives—tiny, fuzzy blurs with purpose and acorn-sized aggression.
Clara walked beside Raven, close enough to brush shoulders.
She didn't speak, but her presence was grounding, warm like sunlight in early spring.
Raven gave her hand a quick squeeze before letting go, his silent way of telling her he appreciated her.
Alex trailed a little behind, holding Nibbles like a sacred relic. "So... uh. Still no sightings of demonic squirrels, right?"
"Not unless one of yours gets possessed by berry wine," Jessy replied dryly.
"I mean, we did have that squirrel disco rave."
"Stop reminding me," Clara groaned.
