His expression remained calm.
"You walk toward it regardless of fear," he said. "That alone places you ahead of most so I can only follow your lead."
Lavayla felt heat creep unexpectedly into her face and quickly turned away, pretending great interest in the cave ceiling.
Why does he say things like that so seriously?
Beside her, Mirek lay back against the bedding, one side of his lips curving up.
The fire burned low.
Vai yawned in his sleep, curling instinctively closer to Lavayla.
Night deepened.
Outside, the forest stirred with distant cries of nocturnal beasts, yet inside the cave, warmth and safety held firm.
•
A few hours later, Lavayla stirred awake.
Her eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the dim glow of dying embers within the cave. Instinct guided her gaze first toward Vai. The young beastman slept soundly beside her, small body curled tightly beneath the covers, his breathing even and peaceful.
