Chapter 50 – Fire and Light

  Having overcome the trial, the party continued on their way. The sky gradually darkened with clouds, foretelling an approaching storm. The forest around them was dense and shadowy, and the winding path twisted between ancient trees whose roots jutted out as if clinging to the earth.

  Leonel walked ahead, holding a torch, though his magic could have illuminated the path just as well. Mirellis walked beside him, lost in thought.

  — You look deep in thought, — he noted.

  — I just think things will get harder from here, — she replied with a slight shrug.

  — They will, — he agreed.

  Mirellis glanced at him.

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  — Aren’t you afraid?

  Leonel smirked.

  — I have fire. It keeps me from freezing, keeps me from faltering.

  — But what if one day it’s not enough?

  He frowned slightly, sensing something deeper behind her question.

  — Then I’ll just keep moving forward, even if I have to burn to ashes.

  Mirellis didn’t answer right away. For a moment, her gaze softened.

  — Fool, — she said quietly, though there was no reproach in her voice.

  Leonel smirked but said nothing.

  A Quiet Conversation

  A little behind them, Ethan and Reyna walked side by side.

  — Didn’t think saints went on journeys like this, — Ethan remarked, glancing at her.

  — Didn’t think you knew how to fight, — she replied with a slight smile.

  — Hey, do I look like someone who can’t hold a sword?

  — A little, — Reyna shrugged slightly, but amusement flickered in her eyes.

  Ethan huffed.

  — So, how is it with you saints? Did they teach you to strike weak points as a child?

  Reyna smirked.

  — No, but they taught me to see them. Isn’t that the same thing?

  Ethan considered this.

  — Maybe.

  They walked in silence for a while until Reyna suddenly stopped.

  — Look, — she pointed ahead.

  A faint glow flickered between the trees. It wasn’t fire, nor was it the light of the stars.

  — What is that? — Ethan frowned.

  — I think we’re about to face another trial, — Reyna said quietly.

  And so, their journey continued, with unseen threads beginning to weave between them—threads that, in time, might become something more.