Hours had passed since they left, and the day drew to a close.
Despite her ever-driving personality, Skyla had to stop and rest for the night. Lukas could not keep up with her endless stamina and needed a rest.
Honestly though... it wasn't endless. She too grew exhausted over time, it just took her a considerably longer time than others.
Despite this though, she still did not sleep. Seeing no need to rest here and now. Instead, she would rest when they made it to a safe location. She couldn't risk even an unlucky chance. She needed control, she needed to survive.
She knew Bene was growing impatient, but did he seriously need to rush Weave-... Lukas' training so heavily? The poor kid is already ill-prepared to handle ghasts from a mental standpoint. But he can't even keep up with any of the hunters physically.
But why does he have to remind her of Kai so much? She already had one clueless kid to watch over, but it is truly cruel to have to watch over two of them. Damn that Wels...
"When will you wake up..? You used to smile so much..."
'If only you knew how much you meant to me...'
***
When Lukas awoke the next day, Skyla was swift and ready to depart. She hadn't slept and it was clear on her face. Yet, she was still full of energy and life.
Soon, they continued their journey and the marathon continued. Within an hour Lukas could already feel his legs burning, and his lungs straining. As Lukas ran, Skyla continued to keep her pace with a leisurely jaunt.
But after several more hours of agonising running, the day ended once more. Skyla wished to continue, saying they were only hours away from Shadecross. But Lukas needed the rest.
Throughout the journey, however, the two of them had been rather silent. The only exceptions were Skyla asking Lukas if he was okay, or when Lukas would ask how far they were, or for a break. Lukas had a couple of questions, but never had the time or energy to ask them.
However, despite how utterly exhausted he was, right now was the best time he could ask questions. Even if he was minutes away from falling asleep, both from exhaustion and the lulling darkness of night.
"Why are we rushing to Mistfell so quickly?"
Skyla turned her gaze briefly towards Lukas, before returning to watch the area around them.
"If we move slowly, the risk of someone getting harmed while we are absent grows. I want to protect those people, so we must move swiftly."
"But, aren't there already people down there? Other subdivisions and outposts?"
Skyla thought about her response for a moment. Allowing silence to perforate between them, disrupting the calm atmosphere. Skyla's sigh allowed the tension between them to break.
"It is true... there are people already in and around Mistfell. In fact, there are people everywhere in the southern region. But... well, I'm sure you already know, don't you? That Kai is tasked in Mistfell as well. Tempest, as Wels would call him."
Her tone was flat, betraying the cheerful persona Lukas had come to know. Come to think of it, her tone had been noticeably dull and lifeless since they left Snakewell. Slower too, like she forced every word out. Stopping to think before each word.
"He's my brother... and as much as I try to dissuade him, he continues to fight. I never wanted him to be a part of the Fortissimo, yet he followed my path. Now... the risk that he could die never leaves my mind. Do you understand? What am I saying... of course you do. I heard about Shorstone, everyone did... You must know what it's like to be unable to protect someone..."
Lukas weakly nodded, understanding Skyla's reasoning. He had nearly forgotten the fact Skyla and Kai were related. Oak had told him nearly 3 weeks ago, and it had slipped his memory when he saw the both of them for the first time in Snakewell.
When he saw them there, he didn't think they looked too similar. Their eyes were similar, yet their hair and build were vastly different.
But now he knew, and their connection with it. He didn't know the exact reason Skyla was so adamant about protecting Kai to this extent. But he understood her regardless.
If his family were still here, he would have protected them with every fibre of his being. Yet, that was the one thing he couldn't do, and the one reason why he is here to begin with.
If only they were still here...