The road stretched on quietly, with the constant sound of wagon wheels cutting through the dry earth. The wind blew lightly, carrying the scent of grass and dust. Everything was too calm.
And yet, something didn't fit.
That's when I saw it.
A figure coming from the opposite direction, walking alone, with firm steps and a steady pace. There was no hurry, but there was no distraction either. That caught my attention immediately.
"Someone's coming," I said, without taking my eyes off it.
The group adjusted their pace almost at the same time. There was no need to ask.
Rai'kanna moved a little closer to the wagons, keeping her hand near her weapon. Elara stayed slightly behind me, analyzing carefully. Liriel narrowed her eyes, focused. Vespera moved to the opposite side of the road, expanding our coverage. Lyannis remained silent, observing.
The figure took a few more steps closer.
Red hair.
Light armor.
A familiar presence.
Scarlett.
She recognized us too.
Her body froze for an instant. It was subtle, but clear enough for anyone paying attention. Her step lost its rhythm for a second before adjusting again.
We stopped.
She did too.
We stood a few meters apart.
For a brief moment, no one said anything.
I stepped forward.
"Coming back from a mission?"
She nodded, too quickly.
"Yes."
The answer came short, almost automatic.
I observed her more closely. There were recent marks on her armor, small ones, nothing serious. Dust on her boots. Controlled breathing, but not completely relaxed.
She really was coming from a mission.
"Was it smooth?" I asked.
"It was… yes. Nothing too difficult."
She avoided maintaining eye contact for too long. She would look, look away, then look back. As if measuring every second.
That didn't match the Scarlett I knew.
Rai'kanna crossed her arms, analyzing.
"Alone?"
Scarlett hesitated.
"Yes."
"Brave," Rai'kanna replied, with a slight smile.
It wasn't a provocation, but it wasn't neutral either.
Elara intervened calmly.
"If you managed to complete it, then it was a good decision."
Scarlett nodded, more at ease with that kind of response.
Liriel said nothing. She only observed.
And that said a lot.
Lyannis stepped forward, with a light smile.
"Are you okay? You don't look hurt."
"I'm fine," Scarlett replied, this time with a bit more firmness. "It really was simple."
Vespera, standing farther away, spoke for the first time.
"You changed your pace when you saw us."
Direct.
Scarlett froze for a moment.
"I just… didn't expect to run into you."
The answer was quick, but not natural.
I noticed.
And I wasn't the only one.
Silence returned, but now different.
More attentive.
Heavier.
I decided to end it before it became too uncomfortable.
"We're heading back to Vailor."
She nodded.
"Me too."
That made sense.
I gave a slight nod.
"Then come with us."
Another moment of hesitation.
Short.
But there.
"Okay."
She joined the group.
At first, she kept some distance. Walking a little behind, as if she didn't want to interfere with the pace. But that didn't last long.
Lyannis approached first, starting a conversation naturally.
"Do you usually take missions in this area?"
"Sometimes," Scarlett replied. "There are some smaller dungeons around here."
"Do you prefer solo missions?"
"Depends."
The answers were simple, direct. Nothing out of the ordinary.
But the way she said them wasn't.
Whenever I was nearby, her behavior changed.
Slightly.
But it changed.
Rai'kanna noticed quickly. I could tell by the way she looked, first at me, then at Scarlett.
A small smile appeared on her face, but she said nothing.
Elara kept observing in silence. Evaluating.
Vespera maintained her focus on the surroundings, but her eyes occasionally passed over Scarlett.
Liriel still hadn't said anything since we started walking again.
And that was the strangest part.
"You're quiet," I said, glancing at her.
"I'm observing."
Simple answer.
"Something wrong?"
"No."
She replied too quickly.
After a few seconds, she added.
"Just finding it interesting."
"Interesting how?"
She looked directly at me.
"I'll tell you later."
That was enough.
I didn't insist.
The rest of the path continued at a steady pace.
Some monsters appeared, nothing significant. They were eliminated without difficulty. The group moved well, coordinated, efficient.
Scarlett fought too.
And she fought well.
Precise movements, fast, without waste. She wasn't rusty.
But even during combat, I noticed.
She avoided getting too close to me.
As if it were intentional.
When the road finally began to open up, signaling the approach to Vailor, the atmosphere was lighter. The initial tension had decreased, but not disappeared.
I looked ahead, seeing the city in the distance.
Then I glanced to the side.
Scarlett walked in silence.
For a moment, our eyes met.
She looked away immediately.
That confirmed it.
There was definitely something different.
And judging by the way Liriel kept observing everything without saying a word, I knew that wouldn't stay like this for long.
We entered the city shortly after.
Normal movement. People coming and going, daily routine.
Nothing out of place.
But within the group, something had changed.
And I knew it hadn't reached its end yet.
It was only the beginning.