Chapter 74

I woke up to dawn's light after a rather uncomfortable night's sleep.

The chill and dreariness of sleeping out in the open set me up poorly for the day ahead. I peeled myself off the ground and looked at the dead embers of my solitary campfire.

A spark of lightning ignites the remaining tinder and charred logs. These pseudo-halfing houses built underground were alright. Not sure I would want to make them my home.

I looked around and confirmed I was almost alone for the first time in days. I had given Tara the night off promising I would be safe.

Samiya would not let Iris go, and I was happier to let them bond. Saved me having to listen to her cry in her sleep and take care of her after she wet herself.

Perhaps, I was a coward for avoiding such parental responsibilities, but I wasn't quite sure I was a father figure for her. Not in the same way Iris was taking over the role of adopted mother and mentor.