LIORA'S POV;
After the dusty thrill of the jeep ride, we set off on foot, ready to explore the more hidden paths of the reserve. The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the thick foliage, casting dappled shadows on the path. Each step crackled underfoot as we ventured deeper into the wilderness, the sounds of the jeep fading behind us. Around us, the vibrant greenery and distant calls of unseen creatures set a serene backdrop, and yet, despite the beauty, my mind wandered in another direction entirely.
Ronan slid into step beside me, his shoulder brushing mine every now and then. Each accidental touch, however slight, sent a thrill racing through me that I tried to mask. Ahead of us, Nikolai and Becky strolled together, their voices carrying back to us as they laughed and chatted easily, blissfully unaware of the charged silence that had developed between Ronan and me.