Chapter 27 - 26 - Warmth in the Cold
The crackle of the campfire whispered softly into the stillness of the night. Occasionally, the chirping of insects echoed from behind the trees, weaving a natural lullaby that soothed the darkness.
By the riverside, the firelight reflected on the faces of two girls sitting side by side—Ashtoria and Mira. Both hugged their knees, their gazes fixed on the fish slowly roasting over the flames. The scent of smoke and cooking flesh drifted into the air, teasing their senses, stirring hunger impossible to ignore.
Mira’s stomach suddenly growled loudly. She immediately clutched it and pouted. "Ughh... it smells way too good," she whined dramatically.
Not long after, the sound of footsteps approached. Riven emerged from behind the bushes, freshly bathed, water dripping from his hair. He carried two large, cheap-looking but thick and warm fur jackets, along with a large blanket.
Without a word, he handed the first jacket to Mira. The little girl immediately accepted it with glee, squeaking as she slipped it on. "So cold!" she cried, her small body swallowed by the layers of fabric.
Then Riven turned to Ashtoria and offered the other jacket. "Put this on. Sleeping outdoors at night, especially in a forest like this, gets very cold. As a noble, you’ve probably never had to sleep outside. It might be uncomfortable."
Ashtoria shook her head slightly.
"I don’t need it."
Riven frowned. "Cold weather can be merciless. I’ve seen vagrants fall asleep and never wake up again. Please, just wear it. I insist. I don’t want to see you sick tomorrow." He added with a touch of annoyance, "Or... are you refusing because it’s a cheap jacket?"