Alia could feel the tension in her body, a coil wound too tight, ready to snap at any moment. Yet Gavin, ever attuned to her subtle shifts, sensed it too. His expression softened, though his voice remained steady, focused on the task ahead.
"I understand," he said quietly but firmly. "You must be careful as well. If there's any danger, don't hesitate to come to me. We'll face it together."
Gavin's words, so simple yet sincere, were like a balm to Alia's agitated heart. She exhaled softly, the storm of emotions swirling within her beginning to calm. He always had a way of centering her,, even when her thoughts and feelings threatened to overwhelm her.
Nodding, she continued, her voice steadier now. "I spent nearly half a year wandering through the Dark Forest after the rebellion, relying on the help of the elder tree spirit. My mother was friends with it, and it sheltered me when I had nowhere else to go. And yet, you've been able to traverse the Dark Forest every month for these past few years, thanks to the same spirit's assistance. I still can't fathom how the traitors managed to breach the palace, especially since it's on the far side of Joy City."
Gavin's brow furrowed as he considered her words. His eyes, always sharp and attentive, darkened with thought. "I'm not sure either," he admitted, "but I'll inform the elder tree spirit when I return. I'll ask it to keep a closer watch, to be more vigilant. We can't afford to have our movements compromised, not now."
Alia glanced up at him, the rising light of dawn beginning to paint the sky with soft hues of pink and orange. There was a reluctance building in her chest, a quiet wish that they could linger in this moment for just a little while longer. Her gaze lingered on Gavin—tall, strong, steadfast. She wanted to hold onto this image of him, to carry it with her through the uncertainty that lay ahead.
"I need to go," she said softly, her words almost swallowed by the gentle breeze. "I have to prepare for tomorrow's journey. We'll set off in the morning, and if all goes well, I'll be back within a month. Let's meet at our usual place."
Gavin's eyes locked onto hers, and for a brief second, the world seemed to pause. "Be safe, Alia," he replied, his voice layered with concern. "I'll be waiting. You take care."
There was something in his voice, something that stirred emotions in her that she wasn't quite ready to acknowledge. She felt a warmth bubbling up inside her, amusement mixed with reluctance. Gavin cared for her—she knew that—but the depth of that care was something they both skirted around, too focused on their responsibilities to address what lingered beneath.
Without thinking, Alia acted on impulse. Before her mind could catch up, she dashed forward, tiptoeing as she reached Gavin and planted a quick, soft kiss on his cheek. Her heart thudded in her chest, and for a moment, she was almost afraid to see his reaction. But there was no time for second-guessing.
"See you next month, Gavin," she called over her shoulder as she quickly turned and hurried away, her cheeks burning with a mixture of shyness and exhilaration.
Gavin stood frozen, his hand slowly reaching up to touch the spot on his cheek where her lips had brushed against his skin. Warmth spread through him, a quiet, growing affection filling his chest. He watched her retreating figure, feeling both a sense of pride and a rising anticipation for their next meeting. Silently, he prayed for her safety, for the challenges she would undoubtedly face in the coming days.
The weight of their shared responsibilities momentarily lifted, replaced by something tender and sweet. For a fleeting moment, it wasn't about war or strategy or survival—it was about them, about what lay unsaid between them. Gavin allowed himself a small, rare smile. He would be counting the days until they met again.
---
Alia's heart raced as she returned to her quarters, the memory of her spontaneous kiss playing over and over in her mind. She couldn't help but smile, a shy, almost embarrassed grin that reflected in the small mirror on her dresser. There, in her own reflection, she saw the flicker of emotions she rarely allowed herself to feel—vulnerability, warmth, hope.
Her fingers lightly touched her own cheek, as if still feeling the lingering presence of that brief kiss. Alia sighed softly. As much as she cherished the moment, she knew it was fleeting. Now wasn't the time for such distractions. There were far too many things at stake, too many lives depending on what she did next.
With a determined exhale, she turned from the mirror and set to work. She moved quickly, pulling out various pieces of equipment from the wardrobe and laying them out with precision. Weapons, vials of protective charms, maps—all essential for the mission ahead. Her hands worked methodically, checking each item, ensuring everything was in place. But even as she prepared, her mind drifted back to Gavin, to his concerned eyes and the warmth in his voice.
Why did it feel like something had shifted between them in those final moments? Why did her heart beat a little faster when she thought of him waiting for her at their usual meeting place?
Alia bit her lip, willing herself to focus. The mission came first—always. She couldn't afford to let her emotions interfere with what needed to be done. Still, no matter how much she tried to push the feelings aside, they lingered, soft and persistent like a melody she couldn't shake.
By the time the sun had fully risen, Alia was ready. Every piece of equipment was meticulously packed, every detail accounted for. She was prepared for what lay ahead, but deep inside, a small part of her longed for the simplicity of the moment she had shared with Gavin. That moment of warmth, of connection, was a rare comfort in the otherwise harsh reality of their world.
The next day, as Alia stood at the city gate, she spotted Leona and Talon waiting, their faces set with determination. She gave them a nod, her own resolve hardening once more. The time for sentiment had passed. Now, it was time for action.
But as they set out on their journey, Alia couldn't help but glance back, her thoughts drifting briefly to the figure she had left behind. And in that moment, she silently promised herself: she would return, and when she did, she and Gavin would face whatever came next—together.