Chapter 262: Suspicion
The morale was high.
By the time they stopped to make a temporary camp at the next defensible chamber, the group felt satisfied with the progress they had made today. Talia and her team drew up goals for each day, and they were crushing it. At this rate, it was possible they were going to meet the dungeon boss tomorrow, instead of the expected day after the last day.
They broke off into three separate camps.
Vaelira and her goons huddled in an alcove, forming a neat little spot that was defended by arcane wards and sleeping mats. Their energy was as prickly as ever. Whispered gossip, giggles, and the occasional mocking comment drifted from their section.
Diaz took a corner all to himself. True to form, the rogue made no noise and took no space. He had his back to a wall, eyes half-lidded but never truly closed.
Then, of course, there were them.
Kaiden and his girls had claimed the central area of the chamber. They did so in order to keep their eyes on their allies. Hiding away in a tent or even an alcove like Vaelira’s could put them at a disadvantage should they be ambushed.
Despite the possibilities of such thoughts lingering in their minds, their side of the chamber radiated warmth. Both literal and emotional.
A large steel pot sat above the fire. Nyx was seated just behind it with her legs crossed and fingers lazily twirling in the air, controlling utensils and spice bottles while also stirring the pot with effortless grace.
Luna, of course, was not feeling patient.
"Ughh... hurry up..." she groaned while stroking her hungry belly. She sipped from her mug of hot chocolate, then let her head droop forward as her stomach let out a dramatic grrrrrgle.
"I could hurry..." Nyx said without even glancing at her. "... but then the spices would be uneven. And your stomach is so delicate thanks to you basically only munching processed food while throwing obscenities at your online adversaries all your life, I fear I would upset it~"