Chapter 56: Tara and Starius
Some time earlier...
Starius and Tara had decided to walk to the area where the woodcutting was taking place that afternoon. The surrounding area was already scouted for monsters, so it should be relatively safe.
On the way, Starius couldn't help but steal several glances at his childhood friend, subconsciously appreciating what a beauty she had grown into. Starius walked to Tara's left and was half a step behind her. He appreciated her side profile and how her long black ponytail gently swayed to the side as she walked.
Meanwhile, Tara was lost in her thoughts—her doubts, to be more precise. Hiro hadn't shown even a hint of possessiveness toward her despite Starius' presence. This confused and somewhat worried her. Was the depth of their relationship really only defined by the deal she had made with him for the sake of her mother?
After a short while, she decided it was pointless to try and guess the thoughts of someone like Hiro. With that, she brought her attention back to the present.
By the time Tara finished her contemplation, they had already reached the edge of the woods. Several cut-down tree stumps dotted the area, evidence of the settlement's ongoing construction efforts.
The area was filled with soft ambient light coming from several dimly glowing insects, as well as a few bioluminescent plants on the ground, which painted a strangely beautiful picture.
However, they both knew that this beauty was deceptive and that they couldn't afford to completely let down their guard in this cursed place.
Tara was the one to initiate conversation. She knew that before they could proceed to any casual discussion, there was something she needed to convey.
She stopped in her tracks. Starius also stopped a beat later and turned to look at her. Meeting his eyes directly, Tara bowed deeply.
"Starius, I need to thank you for saving my life."