What the hell are you doing in a hole?

The walk back to Thalindra's house felt like an eternity. Each step seemed heavier than the last, my legs dragging with exhaustion.

My mind churned endlessly, revisiting the same horrifying moment over and over again the man, the knife, the panic, and the weight of my decision.

Even with Thalindra walking a few paces ahead, her presence steady and unbothered, I couldn't shake the hollow feeling in my chest.

The silence stretched between us, broken only by the crunch of boots on gravel and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Thalindra didn't say much, which I appreciated. I wasn't ready to talk about what had happened—or anything, really. Instead, I focused on the path ahead, trying to push the thoughts out of my head.

"Keep up," Thalindra called over her shoulder, her tone brisk. 

I huffed in response, picking up my pace even though my body screamed in protest. "You're walking like we're being chased."