They didn't talk much after that. The forest grew denser, and the light barely slipped through the thick canopy above. Axelius kept his hand near his side just in case he had to grab something or defend himself.
The sounds were getting louder now—more creatures waking up, more danger crawling out from the dark.
Then, Owen suddenly stopped.
"What is it?" Axelius asked, lowering his voice.
"There," Owen pointed with a slime tendril. "Looks like a cave… maybe."
Axelius stepped beside him and squinted through the trees. Between thick roots and overgrown vines, a small dark opening was barely visible, half-covered in moss.
"It does look like a cave," Axelius said.
"Could be a monster den too," Owen warned. "Let me check first."
He bounced forward carefully, peeking inside while staying low. A moment passed before he turned back. "Seems clear. No strange scents. It's dry inside too."
