The warmth of the day slowly faded as the sun began to set, and the cart continued deeper into the marshes.
The road had turned into a narrow, muddy path that was slightly waterlogged in places, making the wheels sink into the soft ground before bumping back onto firmer earth.
Every turn made the cart sway, and the damp air that slipped through the curtains carried the disgusting smell of stagnant, rotting water.
Kui, who had already been struggling with the journey, immediately felt his stomach twist even more.
He covered his nose with one hand, but it did almost nothing to block the horrible smell. His face scrunched up as he leaned closer to Aok and wrapped both arms tightly around his arm.
"God, the smell…" he muttered miserably.
Aok looked down at him with concern, then gently pulled him closer. One arm wrapped around Kui's shoulders while his other hand moved slowly through his hair, trying to soothe him.
