After extinguishing the fire, Etien swiftly climbed up one of the towering trees, settling himself on a thick branch above Danniel, who perched on a sturdy limb below. The air was dense with the lingering scent of smoke, mingling with the sharp bite of the night, cool, damp, and rich with the earthy musk of the forest floor. Shadows stretched long beneath the moonlight, warping the shapes of twisted branches into eerie silhouettes. The trees loomed above them, ancient sentinels whispering secrets in the rustling of their leaves.
Danniel's fear was evident, his breath shallow, fingers gripping the bark tightly enough that his knuckles had turned pale. But Etien didn't interfere. That wasn't his place, his focus remained on maintaining his position and protecting the emperor.
