The forest around them was dense and alive, but the air felt heavy with an unseen tension.

  Becca couldn't shake the feeling that something, or someone, was watching them.

  Each time she turned her head, there was only the flicker of movement behind trees or a quick flash of an animal's eyes

  It was unsettling, and no matter how often she checked, she couldn't dispel the unease.

  Axel slowed Diego, his horse, and turned his head toward a particular tree.

  Becca followed his gaze, confused by his calm yet focused expression.

  When she looked, she saw four druids, crouched behind trees, their bows drawn and aimed directly at them.

  Their arrows were ready to fly, but they hesitated, unsure of what to make of Axel's presence.

  Then, as if answering some unspoken signal, the druids' bodies were wrapped in vines and lifted into the air, disappearing into the forest.

  Becca's breath caught in her throat, and she froze in shock, struggling to process the surreal sight.

  Axel didn't seem surprised. He urged Diego forward and spoke calmly, "Becca, you need to relax for a moment. They're likely tracking us by our heartbeats. If you need a minute to collect yourself, just say the word."

  Becca shook her head, trying to hide her growing panic, "I'm fine... Just focus on getting us out of here." But the fear still gnawed at her, and every sound, every movement, seemed to heighten her paranoia.

  Even the chirping of a bird nearby made her flinch.

  As they continued deeper into the forest, Diego suddenly came to a halt, and Axel turned to face Becca directly.

  His smile was soft but intense, and for some reason, it made Becca more anxious. "What's going on, creepy?" she asked, her voice tinged with unease.

  Before she could finish her sentence, Axel moved forward.

  Becca's heart raced, her thoughts a jumble as he pulled her into an unexpected hug, "Shhh, I can tell you're scared," he whispered gently into her ear, "Focus on my voice, okay?"

  Her mind went blank. Becca's face flushed red, and her palms became slick with sweat, gripping the sword so tightly she feared it would slip from her hands.

  Axel finally broke the hug and stepped back, giving her an innocent smile, "I hope that helped. We've arrived."

  Becca blinked, realizing they had entered a wide clearing.

  The sight before her was breathtaking.

  Thousands of roses in every color imaginable were blooming around them.

  But it wasn't just the flowers that held her attention—something more was happening.

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  As they moved into the heart of the clearing, a massive red rose began to bloom from the earth, larger than anything she had ever seen.

  From the petals of the rose, a towering, green-skinned figure emerged.

  His presence was both commanding and unsettling, like the forest itself had taken shape.

  His voice boomed as he spoke: "Hello, human. What brings you to my sanctuary?"

  Axel sheathed his sword and approached the giant figure with confidence, "It's a pleasure to meet you. We come in peace, not to threaten, but to explore the possibility of an alliance between Neverport and your tribe."

  Becca could sense the tension around them. It was clear that many druids were watching, their eyes trained on them, ready to strike if needed.

  The druid leader, Atlas, laughed briefly, his deep voice echoing through the clearing, "Why would we, of all tribes, form an alliance with humans? You do realize that druids and humans don't exactly see eye to eye."

  Axel remained calm, his voice steady, "This could be an opportunity for both of us. We're not asking you to join us in the war or to take a side. We understand your position, and we respect it. We simply wish to establish a mutually beneficial partnership. We are willing to negotiate any terms that will work for you."

  The druid leader paused, his eyes narrowing as he weighed Axel's words, "What if we just killed the two of you right now? That would save us the trouble of negotiating a useless partnership."

  At this, many druids raised their bows, their arrows aimed directly at the pair. But Axel just laughed, his right arm glowing with faint blue symbols, "It would be a one-sided slaughter. The choice is yours."

  A druid descended from a nearby tree and whispered something to Atlas.

  The leader glanced at Axel's glowing arm, then at the druid who had spoken.

  A broad smile spread across Atlas's face, "I see," he said, his tone shifting as the druid who had spoken transformed into a bird and flew off toward the trees.

  Becca, still trying to make sense of what was happening, gently tugged at Axel's sleeve, "What's going on?" she whispered.

  Axel met her gaze with a reassuring smile.

  "Let me introduce myself properly," Atlas said as his massive form loomed closer. "I am Atlas, leader of the druids, and I am willing to form a partnership with your settlement. But first, there is something I need from you."

  Becca stepped forward, her heart racing. "What do you want from us?"

  Atlas's face darkened as he explained, "Recently, my plants and animals have been under attack by a group of orcs from the west and demons from the north. I want you to cleanse my land of them. In return, I will agree to a partnership."

  Axel considered the proposal carefully, but there was something about Atlas's tone that made him uneasy.

  Still, the benefits of such an alliance were too great to ignore, "If that's—" he began, but Atlas wasn't done.

  "But there is one condition," the druid leader continued, his voice firm, "The girl stays here. And one of my officers will accompany you to ensure the task is completed."

  Becca's eyes widened in shock, "What?!"

  Axel immediately pulled her closer, his voice low and calm, "This could work for both of us. Just try to get along with the leaders. You'll need to get used to them being around."

  Becca's mind was spinning, "I've never encountered a monster like this. How am I supposed to—"

  Axel placed his hands on her shoulders, his grip firm but gentle, "Your first step as a leader is to not show fear. If you let that control you, you'll make a choice that could cost everyone you care about."

  Becca's face hardened, determination settling, "Alright, I understand. Be careful."

  Stepping forward with resolve, Becca faced Atlas, "We accept your terms," she said, her voice steady, "I will stay behind, but only if you promise no harm will come to me."

  Atlas nodded slowly, his expression unreadable, "Agreed. In fact, I'd like to converse with you while our warriors take care of my task. Perhaps it will change my opinion of your kind."

  With a snap of his fingers, a white wolf emerged from the ground. It approached Axel, who smiled warmly as the wolf stopped in front of him.

  "My name is Arthur," the wolf said, his voice calm and measured. "I'll act as the ambassador for my tribe. I hope we can avoid becoming enemies."

  Axel knelt before the wolf, his smile infectious. "Same here. Let's go hunting, shall we?"

  With their blue eyes locked, Axel and Arthur shared a moment of understanding.

  A silent bond was formed between them as they prepared for the task ahead—two warriors, ready to face whatever challenges lay in their path.