The forest grew darker, crickets hummed, and the wind blew cold against their skin.
They had found a suitable place to camp. Davien was busy building the fire; he didn't say anything, and neither did Lila. She just watched him.
wrapping her arms around her knees, staring into the flames as memories of their argument replayed. Hours passed. Eventually, exhaustion made her feel sleepy. She curled up near the fire, feeling small under the weight of everything unsaid.
Davien lay on the opposite side. He didn't look up at her; he knew she was watching him but pretended not to notice.
Lila lay on the cold floor, swallowing her feelings and pretending she wasn't hurt.
The fire burned steadily, the wood cracking softly. Hours passed, and Davien finally drifted to sleep.
Lila opened her eyes, watching his profile—his curly white hair, pointed nose, rose-colored lips. He had soft features. He was handsome; she couldn't deny it.
"He looks so vulnerable and peaceful in his sleep," she whispered to herself.
She stood up quietly, careful not to wake him, and walked toward him. Kneeling beside him, her hand wrapped gently around his weapon. This was the first time she had felt a real weapon in her life.
Letting it go, she stood and looked down at him.
She had already made up her mind, and nothing was going to change it.
"I won't stay like this," she whispered quietly.
The forest wind stirred her hair, carrying the scent of dried leaves and cold night air.
Lila took a deep, steady breath, then walked back to where she had been lying. She closed her eyes. Sleep came easily, and she soon drifted off.
Davien who was pretending to sleep, opened his eyes then sighed and sat up looking into the warm flames with out saying anything or moving.