Theo and the others started moving away, and only after a few hours did the group's nerves finally start relaxing.
The entire experience felt like a fever dream. They were supposed to leave the gaze a day ago, but just a single scenery check had led them to a new beast and a complete change of plans.
Theo resolved not to make such drastic and impulsive decisions again, especially when others were involved.
All this time, he had always worked along with his people, which had made things a lot more flexible.
And that thought lingered in his mind, leaving him with a quiet conclusion: he needed to become strong enough to handle such missions on his own.
After a day of travel and camping, the exit gate appeared in their view again. The group assigned to stay there sat around a campfire, eating.
Merek's eyes met Theo's, but Theo quickly looked away.
That apology had been made as a leader. It didn't mean he had to be good to the man. The mission was over.
