Chapter 57: The Tides of Time

"Sarah, I can't let you go again!" Alex's voice trembled with urgency as the shadows twisted and morphed around them, dark tendrils reaching toward her. His grip tightened on her hand, fear and determination swirling in his eyes.

"I'm not going anywhere!" she promised, her heart racing. But even as she spoke, the shadows seemed to pulse with a life of their own, encroaching upon their fragile sanctuary. "We've faced darkness before. We can do it again."

"Together," he affirmed, his voice steadying her fears. "We have to stay together."

With that, they forged ahead into the darkening woods surrounding the meadow, where the cheerful sunlight turned to a gloom that felt alive, creeping into their bones. The path wound deeper into the forest, where ancient trees towered overhead, their leaves rustling ominously.

"I wish I knew where we were headed," Sarah said, glancing nervously at the looming shadows. "It feels like they're watching us."