Chapter 22: One Night Between
The fire was small, little more than glowing embers Kael coaxed to life with trembling hands. The forest pressed close, branches bowing under the weight of silence, yet for the first time in what felt like hours, there was no pursuit. Aria sat cross-legged a few feet away, her hands wrapped around the warmth, watching him. The blood had dried on his skin, streaks like war paint against the pale light. He moved stiffly, every gesture betraying exhaustion he couldn’t hide. “You need to rest,” she said quietly. Kael’s jaw tightened. “Rest means letting my guard down. That’s not a luxury we can afford.” Aria shook her head, her voice steadier than she felt. “If you break, Kael, I have no one. At least let me watch over you this time.” He stilled. Her words, soft as they were, carried a we
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