Choices

Kael pushed the door to the shack open, breaking the silence. His eyes immediately landed on Nova, curled near the fire, wrapped tightly in his cloak. The sight stopped him in his tracks. Her head was buried against her knees, and her slender frame looked impossibly small in the oversized shirt she wore. His frustration, the war that had raged in his mind on the way back, vanished instantly.

Kael stepped closer to the fire, crouching down to warm his hands. His movements were deliberate, as if trying not to startle her.

"You can't stay here," he said finally, his voice steady but quiet. "It's not safe."

Nova tightened her grip on the cloak, her head still buried against her knees. She didn't respond, the weight of his words pressing heavily on her.

Kael sighed, standing to his full height. "We need to move," he said firmly, though his tone softened at the edges. "You're welcome to come with me. But I'm leaving either way."

Without another word, he turned, grabbed his things and walked toward the door. The creak of the wooden hinges echoed in the small shack as he pushed it open, letting in a rush of cool night air.

Nova's head shot up as the door closed behind him. Panic flared in her chest. She didn't want to be alone again, but fear and hesitation kept her rooted in place for a moment. Then, with a surge of determination, she scrambled to her feet, the oversized shirt and cloak shifting awkwardly as she moved.

"Wait!" she wanted to call, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she hurried after him, her bare feet crunching softly against the forest floor.

Kael didn't slow, didn't turn to acknowledge her presence, but the soft sound of her footsteps trailing behind him was unmistakable. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, though his expression remained neutral. He hadn't been sure if she would follow, but a part of him was relieved that she had.

Nova kept her eyes on his back, her chest heaving with nervous breaths as she struggled to keep up. She didn't know where he was leading her, but for the first time in days, she felt a glimmer of hope. Wherever they were going, at least she wouldn't be alone.

The forest was dark, the faint glow of the moon filtering through the canopy above. They traveled like this through the night, Nova trailing behind Kael at a careful distance. Wrapped in the cloak, she peeked out occasionally, studying him—the way he moved, the strength in his stride, the way his muscles seemed to ripple beneath his shirt with every step. His movements were fluid and quiet, almost as if he was part of the forest itself.

Despite her exhaustion, she couldn't take her eyes off him. He kept a steady, gentle pace, clearly mindful of her recovery. Every so often, he glanced back, his expression unreadable, but he didn't say a word. The silence between them felt heavy but not uncomfortable, as if neither wanted to disturb the stillness of the night.

The hours stretched on until the faintest hint of dawn began to lighten the edges of the horizon. Kael finally slowed as they approached a rocky outcrop. Nestled within was the dark mouth of a cave, partially hidden by overgrown vines and moss.

"We'll rest here," he said, his voice low and even as he stepped inside. He moved with purpose, clearing a space near the entrance and setting down his pack. Nova lingered outside for a moment, hesitating as she stared at the dark opening.

"It's safe," Kael added without looking at her. "Safer than staying out here."

Kael's figure was already retreating into the shadows.