The Pendleton Refuge

Elara's POV

After pushing through the dense, sprawling woods, my legs burned with every agonizing step. The thick canopy of ancient oak and pine trees finally began to thin out, letting the bright morning sunlight pierce through the dappled leaves to cast long, shifting shadows across the dirt path. My boots crunched over dry twigs and scattered pebbles as I dragged my tired body forward, the hea