The night passed quietly in the shelter. Ezra slept restlessly, visions of flames, shadows, and whispers flickering behind his closed eyelids. When dawn finally broke, the forest around them was bathed in a soft, gray light.
The hunter was already awake, sitting by the remains of the small fire. His sharp eyes regarded Ezra as he stirred, rubbing the sleep from his face.
"Time to move," the hunter said softly. "We can't stay here long. The longer we linger, the more danger we face."
Ezra sat up, blinking against the light. His mind was fuzzy, but the shadowy images from his dreams lingered like smoke. He looked around and saw the rough shelter, the trees standing silent and watchful.
"Where are we going now?" Ezra asked, voice husky.
The hunter glanced at him, a hint of a smile touching his rough face. "Further into the woods. There's a place I know — a safe spot for now. It's hidden from those who chase us."
Ezra nodded, feeling a strange mixture of fear and curiosity. What awaited him in this new place? Would he find answers — or more questions?
They packed what little they could carry, and the hunter led Ezra deeper into the forest, moving swiftly and quietly. The trees grew thicker, roots twisting across the ground like ancient veins of the earth. The quiet rhythmic sound of their footsteps was the only noise breaking the stillness.
As they pressed onward, Ezra kept glancing around. Something about this place felt different—like the forest itself was watching, waiting. He wanted to ask the hunter more about who he was and why he was running, but words caught in his throat.
Soon, they arrived at a clearing surrounded by tall, twisted trees. At its center was a small, weathered hut, overgrown with moss but sturdy enough to provide shelter. The hunter stepped inside and gestured for Ezra to follow.
"This is where we'll stay for now," he said, settling into a seat. "We'll be safe here.