Ravenna stood by the fire, her eyes fixed on the flames, her thoughts heavy with the conversation she and Damien had shared earlier. The weight of the journey, the danger, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead seemed to press down on her, yet there was a quiet resolve in her heart. They would face whatever came their way together. That was all she needed to know.
But the stillness of the night was too much for her restless mind. She needed to clear her head, even if just for a moment.
"I'm going for a walk," she told Damien, who had already settled into a quiet vigil beside the fire.
Damien glanced up, his eyes scanning her face. He seemed to consider stopping her but then nodded silently, as though he understood. "Don't stray too far," he cautioned. "The path is dangerous."
Ravenna smiled faintly and turned away, making her way toward the edge of the camp. The night air was crisp and cool, a welcome change from the heat of the fire. The trees whispered in the wind, their branches swaying gently above her as she walked farther into the shadows.
As she moved deeper into the woods, something caught her eye—a flash of bright color fluttering through the trees. She paused and watched a delicate butterfly dance on the breeze, its wings a vibrant mix of gold and violet. Drawn to its beauty, she took a few steps forward, mesmerized by the graceful creature.
She didn't notice the subtle shift in the air—the way the woods seemed to close in around her as the butterfly led her further and further from the camp. She followed it, entranced, until the last traces of daylight faded completely, leaving her in the dim glow of moonlight.
By the time the butterfly disappeared into the shadows, she realized how far she had wandered. The familiar sounds of the forest had fallen silent, and a sweet, almost intoxicating fragrance hung heavy in the air. It was subtle at first, but the longer she inhaled, the more its effect took hold of her.
Her senses seemed to sharpen, and her skin began to flush. A strange heat bloomed in her chest, spreading through her body with a sudden intensity. She felt restless, her thoughts clouding with confusion. It was as if her body had become a furnace, and the heat was only growing stronger with every breath.
It didn't take long for her to realize what was happening.
Ravenna's breath hitched as she saw the faint glow of petals around her—the dangerous flower known for its mind-altering effects. The stories were true: its scent could overwhelm even the strongest minds. She had inhaled too deeply, and now the burning sensation was impossible to ignore.
Panicking, she turned and fled, her steps unsteady as dizziness clouded her thoughts. She needed to get back to Damien. He would know what to do.
By the time she stumbled into the camp, she was barely coherent. Her breath came in shallow gasps, her skin flushed with fever. Damien sprang to his feet, his eyes dark with worry as he rushed to her side.
"Ravenna, what's wrong?" His voice was sharp, cutting through her haze.
She didn't respond immediately, her gaze unfocused. She reached out, clutching at his sleeve as if grounding herself. "I... I don't know. I feel so hot. I can't... I can't think."
Damien's heart clenched. He recognized the signs—the erratic breathing, the fevered look in her eyes. She'd come into contact with the Lustshade Bloom, a plant known for its dangerous effects on the mind.
Without hesitation, he caught her as she collapsed against him, her strength fading. Her body trembled, caught between fever and weakness.
"Ravenna, stay with me," he whispered urgently, lowering her gently to the ground. He cradled her head in his lap, his hand brushing the damp strands of hair from her face. Her skin was burning to the touch.
Her eyes fluttered weakly, tears gathering at the corners. "It hurts… Damien… make it stop…"
Damien's jaw clenched as he fought the fear rising in his chest. He couldn't lose her—not like this.
"I'm here," he whispered, his voice steady despite the panic gripping his heart. "I'll get you through this."
He worked quickly, using water to cool her skin, his hands trembling slightly as he soaked a cloth and pressed it to her forehead. He murmured soft reassurances, his voice the anchor she needed in her disoriented state.
Gradually, her breathing slowed, though her body remained weak.
"Ravenna, everything will be alright, okay?" His voice was the last thing she heard before the darkness pulled her under.