"I don't have a problem in sharing the tent if you're okay with it." Lilith tried to seem indifferent, but her flushed cheeks said otherwise.
"Huh? No worries, I'll stand watch for a bit, you can go to sleep." With an eyebrow raised, Caedes replied.
He saw that she had grown bolder and well..more playful since he had revealed his secrets to her.
It had barely been 2 minutes when the girl poked her face out of the tent again.
"We've already killed the monsters. What's stopping you from sleeping with me huh? You need to be at your best for the boss fight too, no?"
A drop of blood formed on the boy's hand, revolving around his finger.
"I don't need—" A rod shot out of Lilith's hand, pinning itself onto his clothes and yanking him back into the tent. His eyes widened in surprise as he stumbled, trying to regain his balance.
Lilith's makeshift tent was a simple yet sturdy structure, designed to provide basic shelter from the harsh environment of the cave. Constructed from durable orange fabric, its vibrant color stood out starkly against the dim, rocky surroundings..
The tent was large enough for two people to sit or lie down comfortably, its low ceiling giving it a cozy, intimate feel. The fabric was stretched taut over a frame made of sturdy branches, which Lilith had carefully selected and reinforced to ensure the tent would hold up against any unexpected cave drafts. The entrance was a simple flap that could be tied shut with strings.
As Lilith pulled Caedes into the tent, her heart raced with fear that she masked with determination. She tried to appear strong, but deep down, the darkness of the cave and the recent battles had left her feeling vulnerable.
"Stay," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "I need to sleep, and I can't keep watch on my own. You'll stay awake and make sure nothing happens."
Caedes looked at her, sensing the undercurrent of fear behind her dominant demeanor, his expression let out a smile. He could see through her facade- 'So even Miss I have it all sorted and set has a vulnerable side-' The boy felt like teasing her when she gifted him such amusing expressions but he chose not to challenge it. He knew anything he said to her would only lead to another set of rods flying at him.
Caedes lowkey nodded, understanding that she was that type of a lady. The one that needed to feel in control.
Lilith settled down on the makeshift bed, her mind racing. 'I can't let him see how scared I am,' she thought. 'I have to be strong. If he sees my fear, he might think I'm weak.'
As she lay down, she glanced at Caedes, who was sitting nearby, his eyes alert and watchful. 'He's just a boy,'
'But he's strong. Stronger than me..' She reminded herself, not knowing that he had just fueled the greed to grow stronger in the usually lazy girl.
She closed her eyes, trying to calm her racing heart. 'I have to trust him,' she thought, her mind replaying the battles they had fought together. 'If we are to survive, we need to trust each other.'
But the fear lingered, gnawing at her. Memories of betrayal haunted her. 'What if he turns on me too?' she wondered.
Forcing herself to take deep breaths, Lilith pushed those thoughts aside.
'No, I can't be like that. Not now. We are a team, and we have to look out for each other. He needs me just as much as I need him.'
The fire crackled outside. Shadows danced on the orange fabric of the tent. At that moment, she felt a slight sense of comfort. 'At least we're not alone,' she thought, her eyes growing heavy with exhaustion. 'For now, that's enough.'
Caedes watched her as she drifted off to sleep. A surge of protectiveness filled him as Lilith's breathing slowed and deepened, signaling that she had finally fallen asleep. Caedes allowed himself a small, weary smile. He knew and understood her actions all too well 'Rest easy, Lilith,' he thought.
"I won't turn my back on you..Not until you betray me."
***
Ps: Many new characters will be introduced soon and I would love it if you all- My dear readers could give me some ideas. It could be a name you really like or even a superpower you would like a character to have.
Regards,
Bearateme_