Chapter 2: Campfire
The fire crackled gently between them. A small pile of sticks, kindled with dry moss and patience, barely gave enough warmth to push back the night. Still, it was enough.
Kael sat across from the wolf girl—Lira. Her posture remained tense, back resting against a tree trunk, dagger still in hand. But she hadn't run. That was something.
He kept his movements slow and deliberate. Every gesture—whether sipping water or adjusting his cloak—was cautious. Not out of fear. Out of respect. Beastkin had their own pride. He'd heard stories back in the palace. Most were exaggerated, or worse, racist nonsense. But one truth always stuck: you didn't corner them.
Kael broke a piece of stale bread in half and set one piece near her again. He didn't speak.
Lira sniffed it, cautiously. Her golden eyes flicked toward him. "You going to stare at me all night?"
He blinked. "I thought you might stab me if I looked away."
Her lips twitched. Not a smile. Just... not as hostile.
"I still might," she muttered.
"I'd deserve it."
That earned a small snort.
She took the bread.
The silence returned—but it felt different. Not heavy. Just... there.
Kael glanced at the forest around them. Beyond the campfire, darkness reigned. Sounds filtered through the night air—branches creaking, something distant howling, and the low rustle of nocturnal life.
"I'm surprised you didn't just leave," Lira said after a while. "After the Pact thing."
Kael stretched his legs and leaned back on his hands. "Didn't seem right."
"Because of the wound?"
He shrugged. "That. And... you were alone."
She narrowed her eyes. "You pity me?"
"No. I understand it."
He meant it.
There had always been distance in Kael's life. Even in the palace, with dozens of servants, guards, nobles, and siblings, it was a lonely kind of crowd. No warmth. No connection.
He felt more real out here.
Lira looked away. Her tail flicked once, then settled.
The wind stirred.
[Bond Level: 1.1 → 1.3]
[Passive Link Strengthening...]
[Minor Trait Insight Unlocked: Subject Lira — Dislikes being underestimated.]
Kael rubbed his temple.
These strange floating messages were still unnerving. They only appeared in his mind's eye. Silent, clean text, never fading until acknowledged. Nobody else seemed to react to them.
"What was that glow again?" Lira asked, voice low. "When we bonded. My heart felt... pulled. Like something opened."
Kael hesitated.
"I don't know," he said. It wasn't quite a lie, but not the full truth either.
Lira frowned. "Did you do something?"
"I touched a stone in a ruin," he said, keeping it vague. "Now... I see things. It's probably some lingering magic."
She seemed to consider that. "Sounds cursed."
"Maybe. But it saved you."
She didn't argue.
The fire snapped loudly, sending sparks upward.
"So what now?" she asked.
"I figure we rest. Then I help you with the wound tomorrow."
"You're no healer."
"No. But I know how to wrap a cut."
"Why bother?"
Kael leaned forward, meeting her gaze. "Because we're bonded. Like it or not. I help you, you help me. Isn't that what it means?"
Lira stared at him, eyes unreadable.
Then she looked away. "Fine. But I sleep light."
"I snore light," he said.
A flicker of amusement crossed her face.
Kael scooted a few feet back and lay down, using his satchel as a pillow. The sky peeked between leaves—dark, cloudless. Stars glinted faintly above. For the first time since being cast out, he didn't feel hollow.
Just tired.
He closed his eyes.
He woke at dawn.
Lira was already awake, crouched near the fire, now embers. She'd scavenged dry grass and twigs and was trying to coax life back into the flame.
"You're up early," Kael muttered, sitting up.
"Couldn't sleep."
"Nightmares?"
"Instinct."
Kael stood slowly and stretched. "Let me check your wound."
She hesitated.
Then nodded, wordless.
Kael moved carefully. He pulled off his outer shirt and tore it into strips. With water from his skin and pressure from clean fabric, he cleaned the gash at her ribs. She hissed but didn't pull away.
"You're lucky," he said. "No infection yet."
"Wolfkin don't get sick easily."
He tied the bandage tight. She winced once, then exhaled.
"There."
She stood, testing her balance. "Better."
[Bond Level: 1.3 → 1.6]
[Skill Progression: Scent of Intent — Passive Awareness Expanded.]
Kael stepped back, flexing his fingers. He acknowledged the system message in his mind, but kept his expression neutral. Lira didn't question the silence.
Lira raised a brow. "What?"
"Nothing. Just glad it's healing."
They started walking together, keeping a slow pace. Lira limped slightly, but she refused his offer to carry her.
The forest grew quieter.
Birdsong returned.
Kael asked, "Where were you headed?"
"North. My old den was up near the Greyridge."
"Pack?"
"Gone."
She didn't explain further. He didn't push.
They walked until the sun filtered bright through the trees. Eventually, Lira stopped.
"Here."
A shallow stream wound through a small grove. Clean water. Shelter. Game trails nearby.
Kael nodded. "We rest here. Then figure out next steps."
She sat beneath a tree, eyes half-lidded.
He watched her for a moment. Then sat nearby.
For once, the silence was comfortable.
Not the silence of exile.
The silence of beginning.
End of Chapter 2