章 237: thicken

The atmosphere around us seemed to thicken with each step forward. The forest, once filled with the distant hum of life, had grown eerily silent. Even the wind felt like it was holding its breath. Raven walked beside me, her eyes scanning the shadows ahead. She didn't say anything, but I could sense her unease. We all felt it—the weight of what was coming. Every movement, every breath was heavy with the tension of our next battle. Leif was just ahead, cutting through the thick underbrush with his blade, while Zara trailed slightly behind, her face locked in concentration, no doubt preparing herself mentally for the spells she would need.