On the eleventh day of their journey, the group stopped near a waterfall surrounded by flat rocks. The afternoon was warm—perfect for training. Caden and Aletha naturally moved away from the others to work on combining their elements.
"Come on, try again," Caden said with an encouraging smile. "I'll create a zone of intense heat, and you cool the air around it. Let's see if we can produce controlled steam."
Aletha nodded, focused. As she manipulated the water from the waterfall, Caden stepped behind her to adjust her posture, just as he had seen in advanced training sessions. His hands brushed her hips, then slid lightly along her arms to correct her angle.
"There… keep your shoulders relaxed. Breathe with the movement."
Aletha shivered slightly at his touch but said nothing. Their faces were close. Too close. For a few seconds, time seemed to stand still. Caden caught the scent of her damp hair and forced himself to step back.
"That's better," he murmured, his voice slightly rough. "We really do make a good team."
Aletha turned her head, a soft but restrained smile on her lips.
"Yeah… we do."
They trained for a long time, laughing when bursts of steam startled them, brushing against each other again and again. In the distance, Bella watched them in silence, her arms tightly crossed over her chest.
Frost approached her quietly.
"They're just training, Bella."
"I know," she replied softly. "But… why does it hurt so much?"
That evening, around the campfire, Caden and Aletha sat side by side. Zetch and Lyseria were discussing strategy with Frost a little further away. After a rainy day, Aletha felt cold. Without a word, Caden removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"Thank you…" she murmured, leaning slightly closer to him.
They talked for a long time in low voices—about their fragmented memories, their fears, and what they would do once all twelve were reunited. Caden laughed at her small jokes, and Aletha blushed whenever he complimented her control over water.
At one point, their hands brushed near the flames. Neither of them pulled away immediately. Caden's gaze lingered on her lips before he looked away, embarrassed.
"Aletha… I'm glad you're here," he said softly.
"Me too, Caden. Really."
Bella, returning with firewood, saw the scene. She froze for a moment, then dropped the branches noisily and sat on the other side of the fire, her face closed off.
Frost gave her a knowing look—but said nothing this time.