Chapter 104

Zane

We set up the camp in silence. There’s no forest noise here. No wind, no birds, no rustling leaves. Just the hush of another realm holding its breath.

Isla moves slowly, dragging her limbs like they are too heavy for the little muscles still left on her skinny body. I pitch the tent and she lays out the tarp, eyes dull, mouth drawn tight. She doesn’t ask for help. She doesn’t speak unless she