That night, they camped on the edge of the village, firelight flickering across JP's tired face. He stared into the flames, hands trembling slightly from the adrenaline that still lingered.
"This can't keep going," he said finally. "I came here just trying to survive. But now the guild's suspicious, the merchants are breathing down my neck, and they're sending thugs to kill us."
Lyra looked at him calmly, her silver eyes steady. "So what will you do?"
JP pulled a small glow-pouch from his pack. It shimmered faintly, casting pale light across his hand. It had been a simple invention, made to give people light in the dark. But already, it was changing things—for him and for the village.
"If I stay here, they'll crush me," JP said, voice low but determined. "This village is too small for what I'm trying to do. If I want to survive—if I want to keep building—I need to grow. To expand. To reach a place where I can't be silenced so easily."
Lyra tilted her head. "You mean a city."
JP nodded, eyes hard. "Bigger markets. Bigger guilds. More danger, sure—but also more protection. If I want safety and a future, I have to move forward. No more hiding in ditches."
For a long moment, the only sound was the crackle of fire. Then Lyra gave a small, knowing smile. "Then I'll follow you. At least until I know where your strange path leads."
JP exhaled slowly, relief and resolve mixing in his chest. The decision was made. Tomorrow would bring risk, but for the first time since waking in this world, he felt like he had a direction.