Secrets

The following morning broke softly, dawn casting a pale glow through the towering branches of Ironwood. Zia was the first to wake, gently easing herself out of Leon's arms to avoid disturbing his rest. She glanced at him, his face softened by sleep, a rare vulnerability that she couldn't help but admire. But just as quickly, she tore her gaze away, swallowing back the mixture of warmth and uncertainty that threatened to overwhelm her.

As she moved around the camp, she spotted Alaric lingering at the edge of their campsite, his back to her. His stance was tense, shoulders squared as he gazed out at the misty forest. Zia approached, her steps quiet but deliberate, though she could feel the faintest bit of apprehension rise within her. After last night, she knew they had left some things unspoken.

"Couldn't sleep?" she asked, her voice breaking the stillness of the morning.