Steve's eyes flicked from left to right, scanning the thick brush and shadowed tree lines for any glimmering threads of light—those faint, almost invisible strings that signaled the presence of the cloaked goblins.
'Nothing.'
No shimmer, no threads, no danger. His vision remained clear.
Still, he stayed alert.
Satisfied for now, he turned his gaze to Tonya. With a subtle flick of his wrist, he gestured for her to come closer—
Tonya met his eyes, her own scanning the treeline once more. Her hand gripped the hilt of her sword with practiced ease, but she didn't sense any immediate threat.
Steve gave a small nod, and they moved together.
The spot they'd chosen was tucked along a bend of the river where the current softened into a lazy swirl. Tall reeds framed the bank, and thick trees hung overhead, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze, forming a canopy of privacy. The water shimmered in the dappled light—secluded, quiet, perfect.
