The forest was quieter now, the earlier threat feeling like a distant memory. The stillness was a relief, and Elara seemed to be regaining some strength. Her breathing had steadied, her fever subsiding after our brief rest. The moonlight spilled through the trees, casting silvery patterns on the ground as we moved forward in search of the next cave.
Elara walked a few paces behind me, her steps hesitant. I glanced back at her now and then, making sure she was keeping up. Her silence was unusual; she was usually filled with nervous chatter or questions about our plans.
“Everything okay?” I asked, slowing my pace so she could catch up.
She nodded quickly, though her face was flushed. It wasn’t the fever this time—it was something else entirely.
“Y-yeah,” she stammered, not meeting my eye
