Chapter 66: the tension
The fire crackled softly in the silence of the makeshift camp. Trees surrounded them like ancient watchers, and above them, stars blinked through a quiet sky that had seen too much.
Selene stirred from her sleep.
Cain was by her side instantly, brushing the strands of hair from her face, his thumb grazing her cheek as though afraid she might disappear.
"You're safe," he whispered. "You did it."
Selene's eyes fluttered open. They were still glowing faintly, gold fading back into brown. "Did we win?"
Cain smiled, exhaustion and admiration in his gaze. "You saved us."
From the other side of the camp, Leo stirred. "And nearly gave us a heart attack."
Eren appeared beside him with a bowl of soup, plopping down with no grace whatsoever. "Ten out of ten. Very flashy. Not sure about the aftershocks though—my ribs still hurt."
Selene gave a tired laugh.
Cain shook his head fondly. "They're idiots. But you probably knew that."
"Absolutely," Selene whispered, eyes glinting.