The trio trudged deeper into the forest, the moonlight barely filtering through the dense canopy above. Zenith's stomach growled loud enough to scare off a few birds, and Nyra chuckled softly.
"Do you think your stomach's roar is scaring off the prey?" she asked, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"Maybe," Zenith replied, rubbing his abdomen. "Or maybe the prey heard the word 'war' and decided to skip town."
Erya rolled her eyes, brushing past a low-hanging branch. "Less talking, more searching. If we don't find food soon, I'm leaving you both behind."
Nyra arched an elegant brow. "You're always this pleasant, aren't you?"
Zenith grinned. "Oh, this is her in a good mood. You should see her when she's angry."
"Keep it up, Zenith," Erya warned, her tone laced with mock menace.
They pushed onward until they came across a clearing bathed in moonlight. It was peaceful—too peaceful. Zenith scanned the area, hoping for some sign of food.
"So," he began, clapping his hands, "anyone here an expert hunter?"
Nyra tilted her head. "Define 'expert.'"
Zenith sighed. "Knows how to catch food without accidentally hunting themselves."
Erya snorted. "So not you, then."
"Ha, ha," Zenith deadpanned.
Nyra raised a finger. "Wait. I see movement."
All three froze, their gazes locking on a rustle in the bushes ahead. Erya's hand instinctively went to her sword, while Nyra crouched low, her movements graceful and precise.
Zenith, however, simply stood there, unsure of what to do. "What's the plan? We pounce? Set a trap? Politely ask it to become dinner?"
"Shh!" Erya hissed. "You're going to—"
Before she could finish, a fat, plump rabbit darted out of the bush and bolted past them.
"There!" Nyra shouted, pointing.
Zenith, caught off guard, stumbled into action. "I've got this!" he yelled, sprinting after the rabbit like a madman.
Erya and Nyra exchanged a glance before bursting into laughter.
"This will be good," Erya said, crossing her arms.
Zenith's attempt at catching the rabbit was… chaotic, to say the least. He dove, missed, scrambled to his feet, and chased again, flailing wildly. At one point, he tripped over a root, landing face-first in the dirt.
"I don't think the rabbit's impressed," Nyra remarked, her lips twitching in amusement.
"Neither am I," Erya added, though her smirk betrayed her words.
Zenith finally returned, covered in dirt and twigs, panting heavily. "That… thing… is faster… than it looks."
Erya patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, Zenith. You'll get it next time—probably."
Nyra tilted her head, observing him with an amused expression. "It's fascinating how you manage to look heroic and completely ridiculous at the same time."
Zenith flushed under her gaze. She was stunning in the moonlight, her armor gleaming faintly, her raven-black hair framing her flawless face. He felt his throat go dry.
"Uh… thanks?" he stammered.
Erya rolled her eyes. "Don't encourage him. His ego's fragile enough as it is."
Nyra smiled, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Don't worry, Zenith. I'm sure you'll redeem yourself."
As they continued their search, Zenith found himself sneaking glances at Nyra. Her elegance was mesmerizing, and the way she moved—effortlessly graceful—left him flustered. Even Erya, with her no-nonsense attitude and striking features, seemed more radiant in the moonlight.
"I feel like I'm in a dream," Zenith muttered under his breath.
"What was that?" Nyra asked, turning her head.
"Nothing! Just… admiring the scenery," he said quickly.
Erya snorted. "Sure you are."
Eventually, Nyra spotted a cluster of berry bushes. "These are safe to eat," she declared, kneeling to inspect them.
Zenith watched her intently, his eyes drawn to the curve of her figure as she crouched. He quickly looked away, his cheeks burning.
"You okay there, Zenith?" Erya asked, smirking.
"Fine! Totally fine!" he said, his voice an octave higher than usual.
Nyra plucked a handful of berries and held them out to Zenith. "Here. Try these."
He hesitated. "Are you sure they're not poisonous? I don't want to drop dead after all this."
Nyra's lips curved into a playful smile. "If they were, you'd be the first to know."
Zenith stared at her. "Comforting."
Erya burst into laughter, clutching her sides. "Oh, I like you, Nyra. You're even better at messing with him than I am."
As they sat around a small fire later that night, sharing the berries and laughing at Zenith's failed rabbit chase, the tension of the day seemed to melt away. Zenith looked at his companions—Erya's sharp wit, Nyra's calm confidence—and felt a strange warmth in his chest.
Maybe, just maybe, this crazy journey wouldn't be so bad after all.