"Don't slow down for my sake," Adela said, gazing up at Bastian with a broad smile and an optimistic heart.
Bastian shook his head, responding with a grin.
It was always like this with him. After spending enough time together, she hardly noticed the scar on his eye anymore.
Extending his hand, he raised her cloak to conceal her hair. His expression transitioned from amusement to earnestness as his eye focused on her somewhat discolored forehead.
"You are safe with me," he assured her.
She drew in a deep breath, reflecting on the recent carriage incident. She wished the bruise would dissipate quickly, thereby allowing her and those in her vicinity to dismiss it as a distant memory.
"The forest, you say…" She inquired once again, giving him an opportunity to reconsider his decision.
"Yes!" He responded, his enthusiasm rekindling.
