Chapter 51 – Alone, but Not Hungry

  Stan walked behind the others, lazily watching his companions’ backs. It seemed like pairs were already forming. Leonel and Mirellis exchanged glances, discussing something in hushed tones. Reyna and Ethan teased each other, their eyes occasionally meeting with amusement.

  Stan rolled his eyes.

  — Of course, — he muttered under his breath. — Everyone has their romantic gazes, secret smiles… And me? I’m just the odd one out.

  He sighed but quickly shrugged.

  — Although… I have food.

  With that, he pulled a wrapped pastry from his bag and took a satisfied bite.

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  Reflections of the Great Lone Wolf

  "Why would I need all this romantic nonsense?" — Stan mused while chewing. "Lovers do nothing but suffer, sigh, and sacrifice themselves… But me? I have bread, meat, sweets… Sure, I may be alone, but at least I’m never hungry!"

  Smirking, he quickened his pace to catch up with the others.

  The path ahead narrowed, forcing them to walk closer together. Stan eavesdropped on his companions’ conversation:

  — If danger awaits us beyond the pass, we should prepare in advance, — Leonel said.

  — You think we’ll be tested again? — Mirellis asked.

  — Almost certain.

  — Something is always happening… — Reyna sighed.

  — Welcome to real life, — Ethan smirked.

  — Hey, do any of you even notice that I’m here? — Stan interjected, waving his half-eaten pastry.

  Everyone turned to him.

  — Of course, we notice you, — Reyna smiled.

  — You’re just walking behind us, muttering to yourself, — Ethan added.

  — Yeah, and eating. Always eating, — Leonel pointed out.

  — And what’s wrong with that? — Stan protested.

  — Nothing. Just saying, at this rate, we’ll need to find an inn with extra supplies soon, — Mirellis chuckled.

  Stan considered this.

  — Fine… But if we ever face a food-related trial, just know—I’m taking it on myself!

  — We never doubted that, — they all answered in unison.

  Their journey continued, and Stan proudly walked behind, savoring the taste of yet another pastry.