CHAPTER 35: Shadows

The night was still, wrapped in a blanket of silence that only the occasional whisper of wind dared to disturb. The moon, half-hidden behind drifting clouds, casted a dim, silver glow over the clearing. The dying embers of their small campfire flickered weakly, struggling to hold onto the last traces of warmth.

The knight stood, near the edge of their makeshift camp. His posture was rigid, hands loosely at his sides, but his entire body was attuned to his surroundings. Every breath of wind, every shifting leaf—he was aware of it all.

Behind him, Lidia slept.

Completely unaware of her surrounding.