The tension between James and Lynara lingered as the group continued their journey through the mountainous terrain of the Dragon Kingdom. The path ahead was steep and treacherous, but the looming threat of Zarathros's dark forces kept them moving with urgency. The playful banter from earlier had faded, replaced by a growing awareness of the gravity of their mission.
Lynara walked slightly ahead of the group, her sharp blue eyes constantly scanning the horizon for signs of danger. Though she hadn't said much since their sparring match, the energy between her and James had shifted into something more complicated. He could still feel the fire in her gaze whenever she glanced back at him, but there was also a mutual respect that had grown out of their shared challenge.
