Safe

Going back to the city took them more time than estimated. And the reason was clear enough.

Neven was driving back with a smile on his lips while Vera was sleeping in the passenger seat. Her breathing had become regular as soon as she had closed her eyes, meaning he had exhausted her. It was more than enough to boost his mood and self-esteem.

He also felt better. That weird worry in his heart had settled down as if the danger was further away now that they had done all sorts of things in the middle of a field. Under the sunlight.

Oh, what a bold wife he had.

Even the mark on her hand wasn't as dark as before. Its black colour was washed away, becoming light grey. It was still visible and annoying to Neven's eyes, but it was less bad than before.

It must have meant the curse had weakened. Maybe, it had even retreated. He was no fool to think it was gone, though. He knew it couldn't be so easy.