The sun pierced the trees like golden spears, bathing the forest in a quiet, golden light. Rain still dripped from the leaves, but the storm had moved on, leaving only puddles and broken branches.
Liora stirred first.
The old hunter's shelter was damp, the smoke from their small fire long gone. She sat up slowly, stretching her sore limbs, and turned to check on Tessa.
The girl lay bundled in her cloak, her cheeks flushed, breath shallow.
Liora's brow furrowed.
"Tessa?"
Tessa opened her eyes, just barely. "...Morning?"
Her voice was hoarse. The spark she usually carried was dulled, her face glowing red.
"You're burning up," Liora whispered.
They packed quickly. Liora took most of the gear, letting Tessa lean on her as they began the long walk back toward the village. But the road, muddy and uneven from the storm, made every step feel twice as hard.
Tessa tried to keep up, but her body swayed. Her breath grew heavier.
"I'm fine," she mumbled.
"You're not," Liora said softly.
Barely an hour into the walk, Tessa collapsed mid-step.
Liora caught her before she hit the ground, lowering her gently onto a mossy patch by the trail.
"Tessa!" She placed a hand to her forehead, scalding. The fever was worse than she'd thought.
"Damn it."
Liora didn't hesitate. Slinging her pack over one shoulder and securing her sword, she lifted Tessa into her arms.
"You carried this far alone," she murmured, standing up with determination. "Let me carry you the rest."
The village gates came into view just before noon. Liora, soaked in sweat and rain, didn't slow her pace. People turned to look as she hurried past, concern in their eyes at the girl cradled in her arms.
The inn appeared like a lighthouse through the fog.
Inside, Aria had just finished folding her little blanket near the fire when the door burst open.
"Liora?!"
She turned and froze.
Liora stood in the doorway, breathing hard, clothes soaked, hair clinging to her neck. In her arms, Tessa lay limp, pale, and flushed with fever.
"M-Mommy?! What happened?!"
Liora set Tessa gently down on a cot by the fire. "She's sick. The storm must've gotten to her. I need a towel and some water."
Aria rushed to Marna, who immediately began preparing a basin and a cloth.
While Liora tended to Tessa, cooling her forehead, checking her breathing, Aria stood off to the side, clutching her hands to her chest.
"She's going to be okay, right?"
Liora glanced over and softened. "I think so. Her fever's high, but we got back in time."
Aria stepped closer. "I thought something bad had happened. I waited all night…"
Liora opened her arms, and Aria rushed into her embrace.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart," she whispered to Aria. "We tried to come back sooner, but the storm made it dangerous. Tessa just needs rest now."
They stayed like that for a while, Aria clinging tightly, Liora stroking her back, and Tessa slowly drifting in and out of fitful sleep nearby.