The company huddled around a little fire to relax after their exhausting trek, the only sound disturbing the night's calm. Their thoughts still processing what had happened recently, they ate in gloomy quiet. Between the commitment he had made to Ava and her odd behavior, Ethan sat aside from the others.
Ava was seated by the campfire's edge, gazing into the flickering flames, when he glanced over. Ethan got up from his chair and moved over to her, his steps barely audible over the soft murmur of the night. Determination was written on his features.
"Ava," Ethan started in a steady, low voice. I still remember our deal. If I went river swimming with you tonight, you promised to reveal the spirit and secret underlying your fearlessness."
Turning to face him, Ava's gaze locked with such i
