Thalina bit into the fruit, the sweet juice bursting over her tongue like nectar from the gods.
She hadn't realized how hungry she was until now. Each bite melted into her mouth, soft and cool, filling her body with warmth despite the cave's damp air.
Feeling a small movement in her arms, she glanced down at Vanora, who was still drowsy. With a soft nudge, she coaxed the little one awake.
"Vanora, wake up. Eat."
Vanora blinked, her small pink nose twitching as she caught the scent of the fruit. Immediately, she reached out, taking slow, sleepy bites.
Eyrx, meanwhile, had returned to the pile of firewood. His hands moved with precision, but Thalina could tell something was off. He wasn't lighting the fire—he was just… staring at it.
Frowning, she watched him for a moment, then tilted her head.
"Are you scared of fire?"
Eyrx froze.
It was so subtle that if she had blinked, she might have missed it.
Then, slowly, he continued working, as if she hadn't spoken.
