Chapter 4 — Whispers of the Past

Maya

The first light of dawn filtered through the dense canopy of the Emerald Forest, casting an ethereal glow over the campsite. I rubbed my eyes, still heavy with the remnants of a restless sleep, and sat up. The air was cool and fresh, a far cry from the stifling heat of the desert where I had uncovered the artifact. My heart ached with a mixture of fear and anticipation as I glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. The scent of pine and earth filled my senses, a grounding force in this strange new world.