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Willow POV

The path that lay ahead seemed endless. My heart hammered in my chest, and my paws quickened their pace as I ran through the forest, the wind gently whipping my fur.

Willow, we need to turn back." Matt’s voice echoed urgently in my head, his fear palpable. “You’re unaware of the dangers that lurk here.”

Ignoring him, I propelled myself faster. The trees became a blur as I raced past them, their branches grazing my skin. The familiar scent of home gradually faded into the distance, supplanted by the thrilling aroma of danger and boundless adventure.

For a moment there, I was sure Matt would turn around and head back, but he was still right behind me, his panting echoing loudly in my ears. He was undoubtedly my best friend and my partner in crime, but he was also a worrier.

“Willow, we need to turn back,” he said through the mind link, his voice tenser than ever. "Are you listening?”

I growled, annoyed by his caution. ‘I’m not afraid, Matt,’ I retorted, my voice firm. ‘I can