Axelius stayed at the very back of the second group, letting everyone rush ahead. Cyruz, who walked near the front, glanced back at him with a sharp look, full of silent hate. But Axelius just yawned, pretending not to care.
Once most of the others disappeared deeper into the forest, Axelius stepped in calmly. The forest felt different now. The air was heavier. Even the light barely touched the ground. The paths twisted strangely like they were alive. He paused and narrowed his eyes.
"…It's happening again," he muttered, glancing around with more focus.
Owen, on his shoulder, looked side to side too. "Yeah. This isn't the same as earlier. It's reacting… getting more dangerous after each group."
