The night was thick around them, the kind of deep, enveloping darkness that seemed almost alive, whispering secrets in a language only the wind understood. Vela and Loxley, their bodies still tingling from the electricity of their kiss, gathered their gear silently, each movement a word in their silent conversation of glances and subtle touches.
"Ever think about what the stars are doing while we're down here playing war?" Loxley mused as they set out from the ghostly village, his voice low to blend with the rustling leaves.
"They're probably betting on whether we'll get out of this mess alive," Vela replied, her tone light despite the gravity of their situation.
"Or maybe they're just peeping toms, getting a kick out of all the earthly drama," Loxley added with a smirk, his eyes glinting mischievously under the crescent moon's light.
Vela laughed, a sound that danced like a spark in the night. "Let's give them something to look at, then."
