章 44: The Hermit's Surprising Revelations

Madison woke with a start, her body aching from the previous night's ordeal. The events in the forest felt like a distant nightmare, but the scratches and bruises covering her arms told a different story. She sat up slowly, wincing at the pain in her ribs.

Wald was already awake, pacing nervously around their small campsite. When he saw Madison stirring, he rushed to her side.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Like I got into a fight with a tree and lost," Madison groaned. "But I'll live."

Wald helped her to her feet, steadying her when she swayed. "We need to talk about what happened last night," he said seriously. "You mentioned whispers and lights before the Redmaws attacked. What exactly did you see out there?"