Aether silently followed her from behind, his footsteps light but uncertain, as she led him through the dense, shadowy woods.
She dragged him toward an isolated place—so remote and forgotten that even the wildest animals rarely dared to appear here.
Despite the heavy silence between them, Aether's heart pulsed with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. He had no idea where she was taking him. Yet, instead of questioning her directly, he remained quiet for the most part. Still, he couldn't help but let a question escape him in a hesitant, softer voice, "Do you... really like the gift I gave you?"
Xara, who had been walking ahead with determined steps, suddenly paused. Her shoulders stiffened ever so slightly as she turned around to face him. Her glowing eyes met his slightly nervous gaze.
"I... said I liked it, didn't I?" she replied, her voice carrying an awkward edge, as though the words came with effort.
