The walk back felt longer.
Ariana did not speak at first.
The forest, which had felt alive and welcoming on the way to the river, now seemed quieter—watchful in a way she could not explain.
The wind moved through the leaves, soft and steady, but something about it felt… different.
Not threatening.
Not dangerous.
Just… aware.
Serena walked beside her, glancing over more than once.
"You're quiet," she said finally.
Ariana kept her gaze forward.
"I'm just tired."
"That's not it."
Ariana exhaled softly.
"You always assume too much."
"And you always avoid answering," Serena replied without hesitation.
That earned a faint, distracted smile—but it faded quickly.
Because the feeling was still there.
Low.
Lingering.
Unsettling.
Serena slowed slightly, studying her more carefully now.
"Did something happen?"
Ariana shook her head.
"No."
But the answer came too quickly.
Too automatically.
Serena noticed.
