After sharing stories and eating around the fire, Marc turned to the group, an urgent question on his mind. "Is there a water source nearby?"
John nodded. "Yes, there is one about a hundred meters north of here. It's a small waterfall, the water is pure and fresh."
Marc then stood up and turned towards me. "Miroy, will you come with me?."
-Yeah if you want, I answered him
I got up in turn, following Marc through the dense forest. The air was cool and the moonlight peeked through the foliage, creating shifting shadows on the ground. Once we were far enough away that our voices couldn't be heard by the others, Marc stopped and turned back to me.
-What's going on, Marc? I asked, worried by the seriousness on his face.
He took a deep breath before speaking, his eyes searching mine intently.
-I don't like the way Victor looks at you.
His statement surprised me.
-How so ? What do you mean ?
-Since we arrived, I noticed that he is watching you, as if he wants you. It may be nothing, but we can't afford to take risks here.
I thought about his words for a moment. Victor did indeed have a piercing gaze, but I hadn't noticed any particularly suspicious attitude on his part.
-You must be wrong Marc
However, Marc was right about one thing: we had to remain vigilant.
-But I understand your concerns, Marc. You're right, it's better to be careful. But we also have to trust them, at least a little, if we want to survive together."
Marc nodded, but his expression remained concerned. "I know. But promise me you'll stay on your guard, especially with Victor."
"I promise," I replied, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We will stay united, and we will watch over each of us."
We finally arrived at the water source, a small waterfall falling gracefully into a clear pool. The water sparkled under the moonlight, creating a calming spectacle.
-Let's do it quickly, Marc murmured, leaning over to take several sips of water.
I did the same, taking regular glances around us. The tranquility of the forest did not dispel my fears, but the cool water brought some comfort. After drinking a little, we returned to camp, walking quickly but carefully.
When we arrived, we found the others around the fire, chatting in low voices. Victor looked up at us, smiling. "Fresh water?"
"Yes," I replied, trying to sound relaxed. "The waterfall is beautiful."
-Perfect, replied Victor. "We need to make sure everyone stays hydrated."
The evening continued, but I couldn't help but feel the weight of Victor's gaze on me, as if Marc had awakened a latent suspicion in me. We set up watch shifts for the night, and I found myself on guard duty with John.
While the others fell asleep, John and I kept vigil by the fire, scanning the silent forest. "It's a dangerous place," he said quietly, almost to himself.
"Yeah, sure," I replied, my eyes scanning the shifting shadows.
Johb then looked at me, his eyes filled with sincerity. "We must stand united. Distrust can kill us as surely as the dangers of this planet."
I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "I agree.
-We are on the same wavelength, he smiles at me
I nodded before turning to him.
-And have you and Max been dating for a long time?, I asked him curiously
-Hahaha no I just provide him with his basic needs, you know, and in exchange he protects me, he said to me, shaking his head.
-Did he force you?, I asked him with furrowed eyebrows.
-No, it's me who decided, he admitted to me, shaking his head quickly.
-If it's not indiscreet why?, I said to him
-It was death or that, so I quickly made my choice, he said to me in a low voice.
-And it doesn't hurt?, I asked him a little worried
-The first time the pain is really hard to bear honestly but then you get used to it. And you didn't have to do it?, he asked me
-No, I guess I can say I'm lucky, I replied.
-People really like your type, you should be careful, John suddenly told me
-Ah good ?
The night passed slowly, every creak and rustle keeping us on alert. In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight timidly attempted to break through the thick canopy, we woke up the rest of the group.
The day ahead was going to be filled with new challenges and difficult decisions. But one thing was clear: we had to stay together, while keeping our minds sharp and our senses alert. Distrust and caution would be our most valuable weapons in this unpredictable world.