The sky brightened, but the cold air of the night still held the forest in its grasp. I walked cautiously between the trees, listening to every sound. Nearby, just behind me, Sianna followed. Her steps were slightly uneven, but she tried to keep up, though fatigue was starting to show.

I stopped and nodded to her, gesturing for her to sit on a fallen tree.

— Let’s rest, — I said, seeing her pale face.

She obediently sat down, wrapping her arms around her knees, and looked at me with slight bewilderment.

— Are you really so good at navigating here? — she asked, struggling to hide her surprise.

I simply nodded, quickly scanning the nearby bushes and noticing a few edible plants I had encountered before. Quickly gathering them, I offered part to Sianna.

— Try this. It’s not a delicacy, but it will keep you going.

She hesitantly took the plants and looked at me as if expecting a trick.

— And this… is definitely edible? — she asked, scrutinizing the leaves uncertainly.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

— Of course. I’ve eaten this while camping. Just trust me.

Sianna nodded and began to eat; her face wrinkled slightly, but she remained silent, trying to suppress her displeasure. I stifled a smirk at her reaction, but said nothing—let her get used to life in the woods.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, I found a suitable place for the night and started a fire. Sianna hugged herself, wrapping up in her thin cloak, and sat next to me by the fire. We silently watched the flames, enjoying the warmth until she finally broke the silence:

— You… where did you learn all this? You seem like a kid too...

I smiled slightly and replied evasively:

— Just… been to many places. My father taught me a lot.

She nodded slightly, deep in thought, and suddenly added:

— You’ve probably been in scrapes I’ve never even heard of, right?

I didn’t answer, just gazed into the fire. Let her think I'm just an ordinary guy with experience. Let it be easier that way.

When the fire died down, I built a small shelter for us from branches, trying to protect us a bit from the night chill. We settled onto a thin bedding of leaves, and I noticed how Sianna huddled into her cloak.

She looked at me with a slight shy smile:

— Maybe… maybe it’s better if we stay closer together? That way, it might be warmer.

I stood still for a moment, taken aback by her suggestion, but then I gathered myself and smirked:

— We’re just a boy and a girl. Is that really appropriate?

She scoffed, rolling her eyes:

— Ellard, we’re just kids. What’s the difference?

— Maybe you’re right, — I mumbled, pulling my cloak tighter and feeling the light chill of the night gradually recede.