Scars of the past

Aeliana leaned back against the jagged cavern wall, her stomach finally full. The warmth of the fire and the food settled her frazzled nerves, but as she swallowed her last bite, a sharp cough escaped her throat.

She coughed again, the sudden dryness in her throat making her wince. Before she could recover, a bottle of water appeared in front of her, held out by Luca's steady hand.

Her amber eyes darted to his face, then back to the bottle.

"This…" she said slowly, her voice rough, "do you have another one?"

Luca's brow arched, the corner of his mouth curling into an amused smirk. "What if I don't?" he asked, his tone laced with teasing.

Her scowl deepened, her fists clenching as her pride flared. "How can you expect me to drink from that? I can't put my lips where someone else's have been!"

His smirk widened into a full grin, his dark eyes gleaming with playful mischief. "Ah, I see. Personal boundaries, is it?"