The forest felt different today.
Not dangerous. Not wild.
Just… quiet.
Aqua breathed in the sweet afternoon air as she followed Kieran up the narrow trail, sunlight filtering through the autumn leafy canopy in soft, golden ribbons. He walked ahead of her, hands tucked into his pockets, shoulders relaxed in a way she rarely saw. Every so often he glanced back to make sure she was keeping up, a small smile tugging at his lips.
He looked lighter.
Freer.
Almost happy.
Aqua’s chest tightened at the sight.
“How much farther?” she called.
“Almost there,” he said. “Promise.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You said that twenty minutes ago.”
“And I was right.”
“You were lying.”
“I was not lying.” His smile was sheepish.
“You absolutely were.”
He shot her a look over his shoulder — half off
