Chapter 4 Unspoken Promises

As dawn broke over the dense canopy, golden light filtered through the leaves, casting intricate patterns on the forest floor. Aria trudged behind Ethan, her muscles aching from the relentless pace he'd set. Despite her exhaustion, she couldn't help but steal glances at him-stoic, confident, and completely unfazed by the night's chaos.

"You plan on telling me what that thing was back there?" Aria finally asked, breaking the silence.

Ethan didn't turn around. "Not sure. Never heard a sound like that before. Whatever it was, it scared off a wolf pack. That's enough to know we should keep moving."

Aria frowned, her curiosity eating away at her. "You're used to running from things, huh?"

He stopped abruptly, forcing her to nearly collide with him. Turning around, his intense gaze caught hers. "Running is what keeps you alive in places like this," he said, his voice low and fierce. "Standing your ground gets you killed."

She lifted her chin defiantly. "Maybe. But running also means leaving things behind-unfinished, unresolved."

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, she thought he might snap at her. Instead, he took a breath and softened his tone. "There are things you can't fix, Aria. No matter how much you want to."

The vulnerability in his eyes was fleeting, but it was enough to make her chest ache. Before she could respond, a distant rustling caught their attention. Instantly alert, Ethan motioned for her to stay back, his hand on his knife.

A figure emerged from the underbrush-a tall man with grizzled hair and a rifle slung over his shoulder. His eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of them.

"Well, well," he drawled. "A couple of wanderers, huh? Didn't expect to find anyone alive out here."

Ethan's stance didn't relax. "Who are you?"

The man gave a crooked grin. "Name's Travis. I've been hunting the wolves in this area. Looks like they gave you a bit of trouble."

Aria hesitated, unsure whether to trust him. "Why are you hunting them?"

"Same reason you're still breathing," Travis replied. "Those beasts don't usually head south unless something's driven them here. I'm trying to figure out what."

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "We heard something last night-a roar. You know anything about that?"

Travis's grin faded, his expression turning grim. "If it's what I think, you two are in for a hell of a ride. There's talk of a beast that's been roaming the Isles-something not natural. Folks say it's more monster than animal."

Aria's stomach twisted with unease. "You're saying it's... not just a wolf?"

Travis shook his head. "Something far worse. Legend says it guards the heart of the Isles-a place no one's ever reached and lived to tell about it."

Ethan remained impassive. "Legends don't scare me."

"Maybe not," Travis countered, "but they should. Whatever's out there isn't just dangerous-it's hunting anything that moves. If you're smart, you'll turn back."

Ethan glanced at Aria, his expression unreadable. "We're not turning back."

Travis let out a short, humorless laugh. "Suit yourself. Just don't say I didn't warn you." With that, he gave them a nod and trudged off into the forest, his rifle at the ready.

When he was out of sight, Aria looked at Ethan. "You really think it's just a story?"

He hesitated before answering. "Doesn't matter. Stories are often rooted in truth. We'll just have to be prepared for anything."

Aria took a steadying breath, trying to ignore the chill creeping up her spine. "So, what's the plan?"

"We keep moving. Stay sharp. And if you see or hear anything unusual-anything-let me know."

Despite his unwavering determination, Aria could sense his unease. Maybe Ethan wasn't as fearless as he pretended to be. Still, his resolve inspired her, and for the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope-like maybe, just maybe, they'd make it through this alive.

As they pushed forward, Aria couldn't help but wonder what secrets the Whispering Isles still held-and how many of them would survive to find out.