Richard Rawlings (The Invicible Hero)

Chapter 59

“The bloody trees can speak! And they have eyes!” Addams yelled, his face paling as he struggled to process the impossible.

Sophia clung tightly to Richard, her breath quickening. He could feel the press of her body against his, but his focus was entirely on the unsettling sight of the talking trees, their eyes watching him with unsettling interest.

Richard raised his hands in a gesture of peace, choosing his words carefully. “We don’t mean to intrude. We’re just passing through and wish no trouble.”

The trees let out a sound that might have been a chuckle, the rough bark twisting as if trying to form mocking smiles. Their voices echoed in eerie unison. “It is not us you should be wary of, Ghost Rider. We mean you no harm. But… we cannot speak for the others.”

“What… others?” Richard asked, a flicker of relief running through him, though his wariness remained. The trees weren’t hostile, but their words hinted at something darker.

“There are many great evils here,” the trees intoned, t