The afternoon sun was high in the sky, casting long shadows over the village square. Alex sat on a wooden bench near the fountain, his eyes fixed on the flowing water that sprayed out of the heart of the barrier.
Despite its appearance, which looked normal, it was the heart of the barrier that protected this village.
"Still brooding?" Elyra's voice broke through his thoughts. She appeared beside him, a piece of bread in one hand and a mischievous grin on her face.
Her hair was tied back in a loose braid, but stray strands framed her face, giving her an almost carefree appearance.
Alex smirked. "Just thinking."
He had grown closer to her in the past two days he had been here, so their talking like this was now a normal thing.
"Dangerous habit," she teased, plopping down beside him. "So, what's the plan, oh great hero? Gonna slay some more demons and save the day?"
'That name again,' Alex sighed inwardly.