Jackson hurried out of the cave—only to find Lily furiously kicking an innocent tree trunk. He frowned.
What on earth was wrong with this girl? Had she been traumatized by the leech incident?
“Ahem… Lily, what’s going on?” he asked, clearing his throat and taking a few careful steps closer.
Lily’s foot froze mid-kick. She stiffened, then muttered without turning around, “I’m fine, Captain.”
“Turn around. Look at me,” Jackson said. Something about talking to the back of her head just felt wrong.
She hesitated for a long moment, then replied softly, “Captain, I’m… just not in a good mood. Can you let me be alone for a bit?”
“No,” Jackson said gently but firmly. “If something’s bothering you, tell me. Maybe I can help.”
The warmth in his tone made Lily’s eyes turn red. She didn’t even
