Chapter 270: Trepidation

As the group continued their hike through the forest, Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within him. Natalie stirred from her slumber, the cheery chirping of birds pulling her gently from sleep. The scent of brewing coffee wafted through the crisp morning air, coaxing her to wakefulness. She stretched, feeling surprisingly rested despite the rocky forest floor beneath her sleeping bag. Emerging from her tent, she found her coworkers bustling around the campfire, already deep in morning preparations. "Morning, Natalie!" called out Evan, his voice carrying easily through the morning stillness. "Good morning, Evan," she replied with a smile, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Vanessa waved from where she was tending to the coffee pot. "Coffee's almost ready! Grab a mug and join us." Natalie nodded gratefully and made her way over, the warmth of the fire chasing away the last vestiges of chill from the night. She took a seat next to Evan, the crac