The moment they stepped deeper into the forest, the air grew unnaturally cold and heavy. Sunlight struggled to pierce the thick canopy, casting the path ahead in deep, shifting shadows.
"Hmm," Fey shivered, rubbing her arms. "Why's it so cold all of a sudden? Hey, you don't think this place is haunted, do you?"
Zoe, who had been moving with her usual predatory grace, suddenly froze at the word "haunted." Her ears flattened slightly against her head. "G... ghost...?" she whispered, her voice losing its flat monotone and gaining a distinct tremor. The fearless beast-girl had a glaring, unexpected weakness.
Julian felt her tension and immediately reached out, his hand enveloping hers. His touch was firm and grounding. "Don't be ridiculous," he said, his voice a calm, steady anchor in the eerie atmosphere. "There's no such thing. Ignore Fey's nonsense."
