The following morning broke softly, dawn casting a pale glow through the towering branches of Ironwood. Zia was the first to wake, gently easing herself out of Leon's arms to avoid disturbing his rest. She glanced at him, his face softened by sleep, a rare vulnerability that she couldn't help but admire. But just as quickly, she tore her gaze away, swallowing back the mixture of warmth and uncertainty that threatened to overwhelm her.
As she moved around the camp, she spotted Alaric lingering at the edge of their campsite, his back to her. His stance was tense, shoulders squared as he gazed out at the misty forest. Zia approached, her steps quiet but deliberate, though she could feel the faintest bit of apprehension rise within her. After last night, she knew they had left some things unspoken.
"Couldn't sleep?" she asked, her voice breaking the stillness of the morning.
Alaric turned to face her, his expression guarded but with a flicker of something deeper in his eyes—hurt, perhaps, though he hid it well. "I slept enough," he replied curtly. His gaze shifted to where Leon still slept, a faint edge of frustration tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You… seem to be adjusting to his presence," he added, his tone a careful balance of observation and challenge.
Zia tensed, sensing the jealousy simmering beneath his words. She sighed, stepping closer, her eyes soft as she met his gaze. "Alaric… Leon has been a part of this journey, just like you. But that doesn't change what you and I share—our history, our connection."
Alaric's jaw clenched, his fingers flexing as if he were grasping at words that wouldn't come. "Our connection? You mean the way we keep getting thrown into each other's paths?" He gave a rueful chuckle, but there was a trace of bitterness in it. "I thought, maybe… I thought I was the one you would turn to. But it seems you've found comfort elsewhere."
Zia shook her head, her expression resolute. "This isn't about choosing between you and Leon, Alaric. You're both important to me, in your own ways. But you have to understand, we're in the middle of something bigger than either of us."
He looked away, his expression hardening as he struggled with the vulnerability of the moment. "I know, Zia. But sometimes, I wonder if I'm just another pawn in your schemes. Someone you can lean on until you don't need me anymore."
The hurt in his voice struck a chord within her, and she stepped forward, her hand reaching out to grasp his. "You're not a pawn, Alaric. I never intended for you to feel that way. I trust you, more than you know. And if I ever made you feel otherwise… I'm sorry."
The sincerity in her words softened Alaric's gaze, and his fingers curled around hers, though his grip was hesitant. "Then… don't shut me out," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't stand being on the sidelines, watching you risk your life without knowing where I stand with you."
She gave him a faint smile, her heart heavy with the complexity of her emotions. "I promise, Alaric. You're not on the sidelines."
Before either of them could say more, the rustle of footsteps drew their attention. Leon approached, his gaze lingering on their clasped hands, a flicker of unease crossing his face. Alaric quickly withdrew his hand, his expression unreadable as he met Leon's stare.
"Are we ready to move on?" Leon asked, his tone measured but with an edge of wariness as his gaze shifted between them.
Zia nodded, sensing the tension hanging in the air like a blade's edge. "We should head out before Seraphine's followers track us here. The path to Eldralore will only get harder from here on."
As they packed up camp and began their journey, the tension among them remained thick, unspoken words and simmering emotions woven into the silence. Alaric took the lead, moving swiftly ahead with a practiced stealth that kept him just out of earshot. Leon walked beside Zia, his presence a steady comfort, though she could sense his lingering discomfort from earlier.
As they trekked through the dense forest, Leon finally spoke, his voice low. "Zia, is there… something between you and Alaric?"
She hesitated, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. "We have a history, Leon. He's been there for me in ways few others have. But it's… complicated."
Leon's expression softened, though she could see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "You don't owe me an explanation, Zia. I just want you to know… that whatever you choose, I'll respect it."
Her heart skipped a beat at his words, the vulnerability in his gaze stirring emotions she hadn't expected. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his, a silent reassurance that words couldn't capture. "Thank you, Leon," she whispered, feeling the warmth of his hand envelop hers.
They walked in companionable silence, their connection deepening with each step, a quiet understanding blooming between them.
Hours later, as dusk settled over the forest, they reached a small clearing where they could rest. The fire crackled in the growing darkness, casting a soft glow over their weary faces. Alaric sat across from Zia and Leon, his gaze lingering on them with an expression she couldn't quite decipher.
As the night wore on, Zia felt a gentle weight press on her shoulder—Leon, his eyes half-lidded as sleep began to claim him. She smiled softly, adjusting so he could rest more comfortably against her.
Alaric's gaze darkened, and he shifted, rising to his feet with a forced nonchalance. "I'll take first watch," he muttered, disappearing into the shadows at the edge of the camp.
Zia watched him go, a pang of guilt and regret tugging at her heart. She wished she could ease his pain, but she knew some wounds took time to heal. Turning her attention back to Leon, she brushed a stray strand of hair from his face, her touch lingering.
The quiet of the night wrapped around them, and for the first time, Zia felt a sense of peace—fleeting, perhaps, but precious all the same.