Our bond made lying to her surprisingly difficult at times. She couldn't read my thoughts, but she could feel enough to know when something wasn't matching up.
And right now, she clearly wasn't buying what I was selling.
The fox continued staring. Silently. Judging me.
I hate it when she does that.
"Fine," she finally said. "If you're going to be a wuss, go ahead."
I frowned immediately.
"Excuse me?"
Ariel ignored the interruption.
"Go upstairs and waste your time tinkering with your abilities when we both know you'd rather be out hunting monsters."
I clicked my tongue. That hit a little too close to home.
Because she wasn't entirely wrong.
Over the last few days, I'd spent more time sitting around the settlement than I had in the entire time since arriving in this world. Even when I wasn't actively doing anything, part of me constantly felt restless.
Like I should be moving. Fighting. Growing stronger.
Instead, I kept finding reasons to stay.
