Chapter 13: A Lighter Dawn

The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow across the camp as the smell of breakfast filled the air. The soft murmur of voices drifted from the dining area, where students were slowly gathering, still shaking off the last remnants of sleep. The fire from last night had long since burned down to embers, but the warmth of the day brought with it a sense of renewal—a quiet shift from the tension that had settled over the camp the night before.

Dorian sat at one of the wooden benches, his hands wrapped around a warm cup of tea as he watched the students file in for breakfast. His mind felt clearer today, the weight that had been pressing down on him for days finally beginning to lift. The events of last night, the unexpected comfort of sharing a song with his friends, and the small but significant moments with Rhys and Kaelen had brought him a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time.

For the first time, Dorian allowed himself to just be—to sit in the stillness of the morning and let go of the constant need to perform, to be perfect.

As he took a sip of his tea, a familiar figure appeared at the edge of his vision. Rhys strolled into the dining area, his usual carefree smile tugging at his lips as he grabbed a plate and made his way toward Dorian's table.

Dorian felt his heart skip a beat, though this time it wasn't from anxiety or nerves. There was something about Rhys—something that calmed him, even as it stirred something deeper inside him. Rhys had a way of making the world feel lighter, as if the burdens Dorian carried weren't quite so heavy when he was around.

"Mind if I join you, President?" Rhys asked, his voice teasing but soft as he slid into the seat beside Dorian, his plate piled high with food.

Dorian rolled his eyes, but there was no sharpness in it. "I told you to stop calling me that."

Rhys smirked, taking a bite of his toast. "You love it."

Dorian huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he turned back to his tea. There was something so easy about being around Rhys in moments like this—something that made Dorian feel like he didn't have to put on a mask or pretend to be in control. It was just the two of them, sitting together in the soft glow of the morning, and for once, that was enough.

"How are you feeling today?" Rhys asked, his voice dropping to a more sincere tone, his eyes flicking up to meet Dorian's.

Dorian paused, considering the question. "Better," He said finally, his voice thoughtful. "Lighter, I guess."

Rhys nodded, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "Good. You seemed pretty tense yesterday."

Dorian didn't deny it. Instead, he glanced down at the table, his fingers tracing the edge of his mug. "I've just been... trying to keep everything together. It's hard to shut that off."

Rhys tilted his head slightly, his gaze softening. "You don't always have to keep it together, you know. You can let other people in."

Dorian's chest tightened at that, but it wasn't the usual panic that came with letting his guard down. It was something else—something warm and unfamiliar, like the gentle unraveling of a knot he hadn't realized he was carrying.

"I'm trying," Dorian admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Rhys' smile widened, but there was no teasing in it this time. "You don't have to do it all at once. Just... one step at a time."

Dorian felt a small, unbidden smile tug at the corners of his lips. He didn't know how Rhys did it—how he always seemed to say the right thing at the right time, breaking through the walls Dorian had spent so long building. But somehow, sitting here with him, everything felt easier.

For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the warmth of the morning sun washing over them as the camp slowly came to life around them. The clatter of plates and the quiet murmur of conversation filled the air, but it was all background noise. Here, in this small bubble of quiet between them, Dorian felt like he could breathe.

"So," Rhys said after a while, leaning back in his seat with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Are we going to talk about the fact that you're secretly a rock star?"

Dorian snorted, shaking his head. "I'm hardly that."

"Could've fooled me," Rhys teased, his smile brightening. "You had everyone eating out of the palm of your hand last night. I didn't know our perfect president had such hidden talents."

Dorian's cheeks flushed slightly, the memory of the night before warming him from the inside. "I don't usually play in front of people," He admitted. "It's more of a... personal thing."

"Well," Rhys said, his voice softening as his eyes locked onto Dorian's, "You were amazing."

The sincerity in Rhys' voice made Dorian's heart skip again, the weight of his words sinking in deeper than he expected. He wasn't used to receiving praise like that—not the kind that felt so genuine, so real. It was something he didn't know he needed until he heard it.

"Thanks," Dorian said quietly, his voice almost shy.

Rhys' smile widened, but this time it was softer, more intimate. "Anytime."

For a moment, they just sat there, the air between them warm and easy, filled with a quiet understanding that didn't need words. It was a strange feeling—being this close to someone without the usual tension or pressure. With Rhys, Dorian didn't feel the need to prove himself, to be perfect. He could just... exist.

And that, more than anything, was what made Rhys so dangerous.

As the rest of the group began to gather for breakfast, the easy moment between them faded into the background, but the warmth lingered, a quiet reminder of the connection that was growing between them. Dorian knew he couldn't run from it forever, but for now, he allowed himself to enjoy it—just for a little while.

"Well," Rhys said, standing up with a stretch and a playful grin. "Duty calls, President. Try not to work yourself too hard today."

Dorian rolled his eyes, but the smile that tugged at his lips was genuine. "I'll keep that in mind."

As Rhys turned to leave, Dorian watched him go, the warmth from their conversation still settling into his bones. He didn't know what to make of it—of the strange, soft feeling that Rhys always seemed to leave behind. But as the morning sun bathed the camp in golden light, Dorian allowed himself to believe, just for a moment, that maybe—just maybe—things didn't have to be so complicated.

_

By the time the sun had reached its peak in the afternoon sky, the camp was buzzing with energy once more. The students had gathered at the edge of the forest, backpacks slung over their shoulders and excitement buzzing in the air as they prepared for the day's activities. The plan was to split into smaller groups, each one assigned a guide for the hikes and environmental exercises that would take them deeper into the forest.

Dorian stood at the front, checking the group lists one last time as the teachers gave final instructions. His mind felt clearer than it had in days, the lingering warmth of his earlier conversation with Rhys still easing the tension that had been weighing him down. But now, with the day's responsibilities pressing forward, Dorian shifted back into leader mode, his focus locked on making sure everything ran smoothly.

"We'll be splitting into four groups," Mr. Corwin announced, his voice carrying over the gathered students. "Make sure you stay with your assigned guide and follow instructions carefully. This is a learning exercise, but safety is our top priority."

Dorian glanced down at the clipboard, scanning the group assignments. He and Emory had been placed together in Group 2, along with a handful of other students. Their assigned guide was Kaelen, the man who had been a quiet but steady presence throughout the trip. Dorian still couldn't quite shake the strange feeling of familiarity he had when he was around Kaelen, but there was no time to dwell on it now.

In the back of his mind, Dorian couldn't help but feel a small twinge of disappointment when he saw that Rhys had been assigned to a different group. Rhys would be heading off with Group 3, led by one of the other guides, and though Dorian knew it was for the best—especially after their earlier interaction—he couldn't deny the small tug of longing that twisted in his chest.

Shaking the thought away, Dorian gathered his group and motioned for them to follow Kaelen, who was already standing near the forest's edge, waiting with his usual calm demeanor.

"Alright," Dorian called to the group, his voice steady and authoritative. "Let's get moving. Stay close, and make sure you're prepared for the hike."

Emory fell into step beside Dorian as they made their way toward Kaelen, their expression bright but laced with curiosity. "Looks like we're together again," Emory said with a grin. "Should be fun."

Dorian offered a small smile in return, though his mind was already shifting into planning mode, making sure everything was in place for the group's hike.

As they reached the edge of the trail, Kaelen greeted them with a nod, his golden-brown eyes scanning the group before settling on Dorian. There was that strange flicker of recognition again, the unspoken connection that seemed to hang between them, but Kaelen gave no indication of it beyond the small, calm smile that crossed his lips.

"Ready to go?" Kaelen asked, his voice low and steady.

Dorian nodded, his grip tightening slightly on the strap of his backpack. "We're ready."

With a quiet nod, Kaelen turned and led the group into the forest, the soft crunch of leaves and twigs underfoot the only sound as they ventured deeper into the woods. The air was cooler here, the dense canopy of trees providing shade from the afternoon sun. The atmosphere shifted as they left the open camp behind, the forest closing in around them with its quiet, mysterious energy.

Dorian kept his eyes on the trail, his focus shifting between the group and the map Kaelen had provided earlier. He could feel Emory walking close beside him, and though they chatted occasionally with the other students, their attention always seemed to drift back to Dorian, as if watching him with the same quiet suspicion they'd had since the beginning of the trip.

Emory's watchful gaze didn't go unnoticed. Dorian could feel it, even if they hadn't said anything outright. But before he could address it, Kaelen's voice broke through the quiet.

"This part of the forest is known for its unique plant life," Kaelen said, motioning toward a small cluster of trees with bark that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. "Some of these species are rare, found only in this region. It's one of the reasons this area is protected."

The group slowed, the students gathering around Kaelen as he pointed out various plants and trees, his voice calm but knowledgeable. Dorian listened quietly, his eyes drifting over the forest around them, but every now and then, his gaze returned to Kaelen.

There was something about the way Kaelen spoke, the way he moved with such quiet confidence, that stirred something deep in Dorian's chest. It wasn't just his familiarity with the forest—it was something more, something that Dorian couldn't quite put his finger on.

As the group continued down the trail, Emory fell into step beside Dorian once more, their expression thoughtful. "Kaelen knows his stuff, huh?" They said casually, though there was a glint of something more in their eyes.

Dorian nodded, his gaze still focused on the trail ahead. "He's been doing this for a while, I guess."

Emory hummed softly, their eyes flicking toward Kaelen before settling back on Dorian. "You know, you two seem... similar."

Dorian frowned slightly, glancing at Emory. "What do you mean?"

Emory shrugged, their tone light but probing. "I don't know. There's just something about him. Something that reminds me of you."

Dorian didn't respond, but Emory's words stayed with him as they continued through the forest. He had felt it too—that strange sense of connection with Kaelen, as if there was something deeper between them that he couldn't quite understand. But no matter how hard he tried to push the thought away, it kept circling back, gnawing at the edges of his mind.

As the hike continued, Kaelen led them deeper into the forest, stopping occasionally to point out rare plants or interesting features of the landscape. But despite the calm of the afternoon and the soft sounds of nature surrounding them, Dorian couldn't shake the feeling that there was something just out of reach—something important that he wasn't seeing.

He glanced over his shoulder, his gaze drifting back to the trail behind them. Somewhere, in another part of the forest, Rhys was with his own group, probably charming the students with his usual playful banter. A small, unbidden smile tugged at Dorian's lips at the thought, but it was quickly replaced by the quiet sense of unease that had been creeping in since the start of the trip.

Something was happening—something he couldn't quite name. And as he followed Kaelen deeper into the forest, that feeling only grew stronger.

_

The hike had been long but rewarding. As Dorian, Emory, and the rest of their group reached the top of the hill, they were greeted by a breathtaking view of the valley below. The vast stretch of green forest rolled out like a living carpet, dotted with glimmers of sunlight breaking through the canopy. Far off in the distance, the faint shimmer of a river wound its way through the landscape, its waters reflecting the midday sun.

The students paused, taking in the sight, their tiredness momentarily forgotten as they stood in awe of the view. Even Dorian, who had been preoccupied with his thoughts for most of the hike, found himself captivated by the beauty of the scene before him.

Kaelen stepped forward, his voice calm as always. "This is one of the highest points in the region. From here, you can see almost the entire forest."

Dorian nodded, his gaze sweeping over the landscape, but even as he admired the view, his mind wandered. There was still that lingering feeling of unease, the sense that something was waiting just out of sight, just beyond the edge of his understanding.

But before he could dwell on it for too long, another voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Hey, President."

Dorian turned to see Rhys walking up the trail, his group trailing just behind him. There was that familiar glint in his eyes, the playful smile tugging at his lips as he approached. It had only been a few hours since Dorian had last seen him, but already, the sight of Rhys brought a strange, comforting warmth that eased the tension in Dorian's chest.

"You made it," Dorian said, his tone softer than he meant it to be.

Rhys smirked, adjusting the strap of his backpack. "Of course. You didn't think I'd let you enjoy this view without me, did you?"

Dorian huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "I'm sure the view would survive without you."

Rhys grinned, stepping closer as their groups mingled, some students taking a seat on the grassy hill to rest. "So, how's the hike been? Learn anything interesting from our mysterious guide?"

Dorian glanced at Kaelen, who was standing a short distance away, talking quietly with Emory and a few other students. "He knows a lot about the forest," Dorian said, though his voice was distracted, his gaze lingering on Kaelen for a moment longer than necessary.

Rhys' eyes followed Dorian's gaze, his brow furrowing slightly. "Yeah, he seems... interesting."

Before Dorian could respond, Rhys nudged him with his shoulder, his playful smile returning. "Hey, want to help me find something?"

Dorian raised an eyebrow, though the hint of a smile tugged at his lips. "Find what?"

"There's a plant that grows around here," Rhys said, his voice dropping to a more casual, almost conspiratorial tone. "One of the guides mentioned it. It's supposed to have these really unique leaves—something you don't see every day. Thought you might want to come with me to check it out."

Dorian hesitated, his instinct to stay with the group rising quickly. But there was something about the way Rhys asked, something that made it hard to refuse. And besides, after the tension of the last few days, maybe a bit of quiet time alone with Rhys wouldn't be so bad.

"Alright," Dorian said, his voice reluctant but softened by curiosity. "But we can't go too far. The weather's been weird today."

Rhys waved off the concern, his grin unwavering. "Don't worry. We'll be back before anyone notices."

The two of them slipped away from the rest of the group, unnoticed as they ventured deeper into the forest. The air grew cooler the further they walked, the trees growing thicker around them, their branches casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. It was quieter here, the sounds of the hilltop fading into the background as they moved further into the dense woods.

Dorian followed Rhys in silence, his thoughts swirling with the events of the day. Being around Rhys always felt different—like the usual pressure he carried with him lightened somehow. But there was also something unpredictable about it, something that made Dorian both anxious and curious all at once.

"Alright, where's this plant you're talking about?" Dorian asked, his voice breaking the silence.

Rhys glanced over his shoulder with a smirk. "Don't worry, it's around here somewhere."

But before Dorian could respond, the sky above them darkened suddenly, the soft, clear light of the afternoon giving way to thick, looming clouds that spread across the horizon with unsettling speed.

Dorian's heart sank, a sudden unease settling over him. "Rhys..."

Rhys slowed, his eyes lifting to the sky as the first distant rumble of thunder echoed through the forest. The playful smirk on his face faded, replaced by a more serious expression.

"Looks like we might have a problem," Rhys muttered, his gaze shifting back to Dorian. "We should head back."

Dorian nodded quickly, already turning to retrace their steps. "We can't risk getting caught in a storm."

But as they started back, something became terrifyingly clear.

The trail they had been following was gone.

The dense underbrush and towering trees all looked the same, the forest folding in around them like a maze. Dorian's heart raced as he scanned the surrounding trees, trying to get his bearings, but everything seemed unfamiliar—there were no clear markers, no path to follow back to the hilltop.

"We're lost," Dorian whispered, his breath coming in quick, shallow bursts.

Rhys' jaw tightened as he looked around, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by a sharp, calculating focus. "Stay calm. We'll find the way back."

But as the wind picked up and the sky darkened even more, the soft drizzle of rain quickly turning into something heavier, Dorian's pulse quickened. The storm was coming, and they were lost in the middle of the forest, with no clear path to safety.

"We have to find shelter," Dorian said, his voice strained as he tried to keep the panic at bay. "We can't stay out here in the open."

Rhys nodded, his usual teasing smirk gone as he stepped closer to Dorian, his voice calm but firm. "I've got you. We'll figure this out."

But even as he spoke, the reality of their situation pressed down on them, the storm growing more intense with every passing minute. The trees around them swayed dangerously in the wind, the sound of thunder rolling through the forest like a warning.

They were lost, and the storm was closing in.