The forest seemed quieter than usual, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of unseen creatures. Elara stumbled beside me, her face pale and glistening with sweat. I had been keeping an eye on her for some time, and it was clear now that she couldn’t go on like this.
I reached out to steady her as she swayed on her feet. “We’re stopping here,” I said firmly, guiding her toward the shade of a large tree.
She didn’t argue—she couldn’t. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, her body trembling as I laid her down on a patch of mossy ground. I knelt beside her, pressing the back of my hand to her forehead. Her skin was burning, feverish.
“Elara, you’re burning up,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
She blinked up at me, her usually sharp eyes dulled by exhaustion
