"I know, I know," Edmund said with a sigh. "But I had to do it. I couldn't wait any longer, Sasha. You understand that, right?"
Sasha's expression softened. "I do understand," she admitted quietly, "but that doesn't mean I have to like it. You're not invincible. Even with your essence awakened, there are things out there—like those spiders—that can still kill you."
Edmund smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, at least I came out of it in one piece... mostly." He lifted the container of nectar for emphasis. "And I got what I needed."
Sasha rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a smile. "You're impossible," she muttered, shaking her head. "But I'm glad you're alright."
The rest of the journey back to the cart was spent in relative silence, the guards maintaining their vigilant watch over the surrounding forest.
