Chapter 73: Love Rain

A little before he went back to the campsite, Alex was deep in thought, lost in the myriad worries of their journey. The forest around him was dense and alive, with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant wildlife. The trees, ancient and towering, created a canopy that filtered the soft moonlight, casting gentle shadows on the forest floor. The air was cool and carried the fresh scent of pine and damp earth. Suddenly, Lyra approached from behind, her footsteps silent on the soft ground.

"Boo!" she said playfully, making Alex jump.

"Lyra, don't sneak up on me like that! We aren't 20 anymore, you know," Alex said, half-smiling. He wore a sturdy leather tunic with a thick cloak to ward off the chill, his katana strapped securely to his side. Lyra was dressed in a similar tunic and cloak, her sword ready at her hip.