They slipped out from the wagon under the cover of dusk, moving quickly before the driver or other travellers could notice. The road split near the border, one path continuing on with the merchants' caravan, the other winding deeper into the forest.
Erik guided her toward the narrower track, boots crunching softly over pine needles, his hand briefly steadying her when she stumbled.
The air grew colder as they left the road behind, trees pressing close on either side. Somewhere in the distance, an owl called, and Rey felt the hair on her arms prickle.
They walked until the darkness grew too thick to risk another step, and then Erik led her to the yawning mouth of a cave tucked between two jagged rocks.
"Here," he said quietly, setting down his satchel. "We'll rest until dawn."
Inside
