KAIA’S POV
The forest was quiet, as Silver and I walked slowly side by side. Neither of us spoke right away. It felt like one of those peaceful moments that didn’t need filling. But I couldn’t shake the worry sitting heavy in my chest.
“You don’t have to do it, you know,” I finally said, breaking the silence. I looked over at him. “You don’t have to listen to Gareth and go into those woods alone just because he said so.”
Silver gave me a quick sideways glance. There was a soft smile on his lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll be fine, Kaia.”
“I can come with you,” I offered. “If Gareth doesn’t find out, then what’s the harm? We’ll be careful. No one has to know.”
He laughed a little under his breath and shook his head. “I appreciate it, really. But I don’t mind going alone. I can
