The tension clung to the air with thick and choking feeling. Though the chaos in the forest raged, the group hiding in the underbrush had not yet been discovered.
But every gust of wind that carried the scent of fire and blood, every distant scream of the dying grey creatures, made their nerves twist tighter.
Jan's hand remained on his bow and the arrow nocked there. His yes darting between the trees. Mark crouched beside him. His fingers tapping the hilt of his sword in rhythm with his quickening heartbeat.
Selene's spell shimmered faintly across the clearing, the air thick with magic that masked their presence from wandering eyes or sniffing grey creatures.
Yara exhaled slowly, sweat trailing down her temple as she focused on the dampening enchantment.
"If they don't come soon," she whispered, "I'm not sure I can keep this up much longer."
"Don't push yourself too hard," Darel said from behind her. "We'll switch again if it gets too much."
