They walked for several hours, talking. The dense foliage overhead filtered sunlight into a muted, emerald glow, casting ever-shifting patterns on the moss-covered ground. Ancient trees towered above, their gnarled branches interwoven like protective guardians. Soft patches of moss cushioned their steps, absorbing the sound of their footfalls and deepening the forest's quiet mystery. Alex's senses heightened, alert to every subtle movement hidden among the shadows. Sometimes they remained silent, letting the sounds of the forest speak for them. The paths between the trees became narrower, and the air grew thicker. Alex felt a slight tension in his neck that he couldn't ignore. They were nearing elven territory, and everything around seemed to sense it. Birds stopped singing, and the wind slowed, as if holding its breath.
Then they heard a strange whistle.
