Chapter 36: The Gathering Clouds

They walked deeper into the heart of the forest as the path at their feet grew narrower with each step. Morning turned into a grey afternoon, and clouds rolled in to blot out the light around them, plunging everything into a dull dimness. The air grew heavier, charged with some quiet tension, and every leaf and branch hung in anticipation of the coming rain.

"This place is different," Ivane said softly and looked around. "It feels like it's holding its breath."

Giorgi nodded, swinging a low-hanging branch out of his way. "Maybe it knows more than we do," he said, the faintest thread of humour in his voice, though his eyes were guarded. "Honestly, after everything, I wouldn't be so surprised if the forest did know something."

David turned to him, half smiling. "You always are an optimist, Giorgi."