Denise stared at the path that William and Marcel had taken. When she finally saw them returning, she sighed in relief. "You're back," she said, her voice tight with worry.
Marcel sat beside her, offering a reassuring smile. "Hey, no need to worry. I was just getting some water."
She wasn't buying it. "Getting water? In the middle of a forest, on an almost deserted island swarming with magical beasts?"
Marcel chuckled. "Okay, maybe it wasn't the smartest idea, but I went during the day when it's safer."
Denise knew he wasn't entirely wrong. Someone had to fetch water, and daytime was indeed the safest time. But the risk still gnawed at her.
Meanwhile, William sat nearby, chatting with his friends and listening to the distant chatter of other students. It was only the first day of their training camp, so most hadn't done much besides sleep and eat after their exhausting journey. But tomorrow, their tasks would begin.
