As dawn broke through the thick forest canopy, casting streaks of golden light across the mossy ground, Lusi slowly stirred. Her body felt heavier than usual, the remnants of her fever still clinging to her like a weight. She blinked, adjusting to the brightness of the new day, her mind struggling to catch up.
The first thing she noticed was the warmth of Wushi's cloak draped over her. The second was the quiet. For the first time in what felt like days, the forest was still, as if the world had paused for a moment just for them. Her body felt weak, but her mind was clear, and memories of the previous day came rushing back—her illness, Wushi's care, his arms around her as he carried her.
Her cheeks flushed at the thought, but before she could linger on the memory, she heard the soft rustle of leaves behind her. Turning her head, she found Wushi kneeling by a small fire, his back to her as he prepared something. His presence, strong and silent, gave her an odd sense of peace, despite the chaos they had been through.
Wushi must have sensed her stirring because he turned around, meeting her gaze. His expression softened for a moment, but only briefly. His concern for her was evident.
"How are you feeling?" His voice was low, gentle, a far cry from the usual steely tone he used when addressing enemies or threats.
Lusi sat up slowly, clutching the cloak around her shoulders as she tested her strength. "Better. I'm sorry for slowing us down."
Wushi shook his head, standing up and walking over to her. "Don't apologize. You were sick. Rest is what you needed."
His words were practical, but there was something in the way he looked at her that made Lusi's pulse quicken. She wasn't sure when it had happened, but something had shifted between them. They weren't just two people on a journey anymore—there was a connection now, an unspoken bond forged in the fire of their shared trials.
She tried to distract herself from the growing tension by looking around the small camp. "Did anyone else come by while I was out?" she asked, her voice slightly strained as she fought to keep her thoughts focused on their situation.
Wushi shook his head. "No, we've been lucky. I found some herbs nearby to help with the fever. You should be able to move soon, but we'll take it slow."
Lusi nodded, grateful for his steady care but still feeling a sense of unease gnawing at her. The questions swirling in her mind couldn't be ignored any longer. "Wushi... why are they coming after us so hard? This feels like more than just a bounty."
Wushi's jaw tightened at her question, and he turned away slightly, his eyes narrowing as he stared into the fire. "It's because of me."
Lusi frowned. "Because you're a demi-god?"
His silence answered her question, and she let out a sigh. "I knew it. You're more important than you let on."
Wushi remained silent for a moment before finally speaking. "There are things I haven't told you. Things that might make this even more dangerous than it already is."
She sat up straighter, despite the weakness in her limbs. "Then tell me. We're in this together, aren't we?"
For a moment, he didn't answer, but then he met her gaze again, and there was something raw in his eyes, something vulnerable. "The gods don't tolerate failure. They see me as a threat to their power. My exile was only the beginning. They won't stop until they're sure I can never return."
Lusi's mind raced, the pieces falling into place. The assassins, the relentless attacks—they weren't just after them for a bounty. This was about power. Wushi's power. And anyone close to him was now in danger.
"Then we'll fight back," Lusi said firmly. "We'll fight whoever comes for us. I won't let them take you."
Wushi looked at her, surprise flickering in his eyes, but there was also something else—a deep respect, maybe even admiration. He nodded, the weight of his decision clear. "Then we'll fight together."
Just as they were about to pack up and move, a low rumble echoed in the distance, followed by the unmistakable sound of approaching footsteps. Lusi and Wushi exchanged a glance, both immediately alert.
"Looks like our break is over," Wushi said, his hand instinctively going to his weapon.
Lusi stood, her strength returning faster than she expected. "Let's give them a proper welcome."
Together, they prepared for what was to come. Their fates were tangled, but they would face whatever was coming side by side.