Sean ultimately chose to continue onward, despite the Little Squirrel's repeated warnings from his shoulder.
"Sean—" Having learned Sean's name, the Little Squirrel found it much easier to call him, as though they were old friends reunited after a long time. It pawed at the hair by Sean's temple. "It's dangerous, extremely dangerous! I can feel it! Even with my help!"
"You've said that a lot along the way. Thanks."
They had already crossed more than half the forest. Through the towering canopy, they could see a hazy mountain peak in the distance.
That mountain was strange. Though mountains looked near but took forever to reach, everyone felt as if they could arrive at its foot after just a few more steps—even though they had been walking for twenty minutes since first spotting it.
Yet the peak still felt within reach. Everyone knew perfectly well that they remained a long way from it, and they realized that strange mountain might be causing the sensation, but they simply could not shake the feeling.
Hermione glanced at the mist-shrouded summit. Sean walked ahead at an unhurried pace. All she could see was his back, not his expression.
She pressed her lips together, her heart filled with conflicting emotions.
The danger before them was immense. Of course she did not want Sean to take such a risk. Of course she wanted him to stay safe and unharmed. But she also knew that once Sean made up his mind, no one could change it. If she kept trying to persuade him, it would only make the atmosphere heavier.
Maybe it would be better to show my support and give Sean more motivation... Hermione thought.
Though she did not want to, she knew this was the most effective help she could offer right now.
"Sean,