Neverwinter Forest River, O River

Y’var’la had paused a few strides ahead, her body a taut line of readiness. Her ears swiveled, attuned to the grove’s whispers, and when she turned her head slightly, her sharp eyes caught his. Without a word, she nodded—a subtle gesture, but clear.

Stay low. Keep quiet.

He matched her pace, moving in tandem with her lead. Together, they closed the distance between themselves and the grove’s heart, where the shadows seemed thicker, deeper, alive with promise.

The sound of hooves—soft, deliberate—broke the quiet.

There. Just beyond the clustered trees, a lean shape moved, its outline barely visible in the fading light.