The preparations for the celebration were in full swing. Laughter echoed through the air—a rare, fragile, yet infectious sound.
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the group allowed themselves a moment of respite.
Valerie turned towards the sound of Sky's voice calling her name. He stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
"Sky," she said, "What's wrong?"
His gaze locked with hers.
"I need to tell you something."
"Alright..." She folded her arms, waiting.
He hesitated, his usual confidence faltering.
"You still remember my confession from a long time ago?"
Valerie's eyes widened. "Sky—"
"Forget what I said to you before. About how I feel," he interrupted, his voice sharper now.
"I mean it. It was foolish of me to say anything. I shouldn't have burdened you with that, especially with everything else going on at the time. You had enough to deal with."
She stared at him, stunned by the sudden shift in his demeanor.
"Just... forget it," he said, his voice quieter now. "Please."
"Okay, Sky. Although I don't quite recall anything related to what you're referring to," Valerie said understandingly.
Sky smiled and nodded, then turned and walked away.
As the day progressed, the group immersed themselves in the preparations for the celebration.
Keira oversaw the decorations with an intensity that kept everyone at a distance, while Veader and Sky worked on setting up the feast.
Edelia, together with Eira, took on the role of mentor, teaching some of the younger members of the group, and her quiet wisdom earned their respect.
The next day, Valerie noticed Lover sitting alone, apart from the others, with his head bowed. She approached him, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Lover," she said, her voice quieter than she intended.
Lover looked up. His face was inscrutable, but there was a subtle shift in his demeanor.
"Are you bored? You look... different," she observed.
He paused, his crimson eyes meeting hers. "No."
Valerie stepped closer, her heart tightening in her chest.
"Hey, what's wrong? Tell me."
"It's just—" Lover stopped, his voice calm but firm.
"I need to return to Doom—now. I need to replenish my strength. It's a necessity."
Valerie shook her head, frustration bubbling beneath her skin.
"Now? Why so suddenly? Wait until tomorrow..." She hesitated, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I'll go with you."
For a fleeting moment, Lover's expression softened, the faintest glimmer of something unguarded crossing his face. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared.
"No. It's too dangerous for you," he said, his tone is quieter now.
"I will return in time for your celebration."
"You have to promise me," Valerie countered, her voice trembling.
Lover stepped closer, his towering presence both intimidating and comforting. He reached out, hesitating for a moment before placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Valerie," he said, his voice low, almost gentle. "I promise I will return to you."
She searched his face for any sign of doubt but found none. With a heavy sigh, she nodded.
"Then promise me one more thing."
"What?"
"Promise me you'll be careful."
His lips quirked into a faint smirk, a flicker of his usual confidence returning.
"I don't need to promise that. I always prevail."
Valerie huffed a laugh, shaking her head.
"You're impossible."
He stepped closer. "And you're the reason."
"I'll go inform the others that you're leaving," Valerie said.
"No need. They're preoccupied. Don't disturb them," Lover said.
Valerie hugged him tightly for a moment before releasing him.
"I'll see you soon," he said.
Before they parted, she gave him a peck.
"That's all?" he asked, a note of playful demand in his voice.
With a mischievous grin, Valerie said, "We'll resume this, as soon as you return. So, you must come back swiftly."
Lover smiled.
She watched as he turned towards the edge of the clearing, his silhouette merging with the shadows.