Lysaro didn't hesitate. If death's riding our backs, I might as well taste something sweet first, he muttered, taking a deep swig and letting out a sharp breath. Burns... but it's good.
Hale, who sat closer to Kaelith, glanced over curiously. "Your Highness," he said, "do you want some? Might help you sleep."
Kaelith shook his head without looking up. "No. I need a clear mind tonight."
Hale didn't press. He merely nodded and leaned back, his eyes flickering across the dancing firelight.
After a while, the laughter quieted, the fire dimmed, and one by one, the group laid down to sleep. The sound of quiet breathing filled the clearing, the forest whispering softly around them.
But then… a sound.
Soft, steady and deliberate.
A single step echoed against the earth, not heavy, not hurried, but chillingly distinct.
It came from somewhere beyond the trees.
The fire crackled gently.
No one stirred.
The footsteps came again closer this time.
Then stopped.
