Esme returned to the tent, the snow crunching softly beneath her boots. As she approached, her steps faltered at the sight of Donovan emerging from her tent. His tense expression eased into one of relief the moment he sensed her presence, and without hesitation, he moved towards her.
"Where have you been?" he asked, pulling her into a sudden, tight embrace. His voice was filled with concern. "You shouldn't disappear like that. I was terrified something had happened.
She said nothing, allowing the warmth of his arms to surround her, and it offered a brief moment of solace. After a while, he pulled back, his hands settling gently on her shoulders. "You should've told someone before wandering off like that," he scolded softly, his worry still evident. "No matter where you went, you can't leave without informing the others."
