His words soothed the ache in her chest, and slowly, the weight of loneliness slipped from her shoulders. Lestan loved her—of that, she was certain. Everything he said and did was to protect her. How could she hold that against him?

As he spoke and planned, she nodded, ever trusting in her capable tracker.
If one of us falls ill, we turn back, she echoed Lestan’s words, making them a vow.
We’ll be okay. I believe in that. I believe in us.

When he walked away, her gaze drifted back to the water. She knew better. She truly did. But she had to know, to understand the danger, the truth of it. Stepping forward cautiously, she dipped a paw into the stream, only to recoil at the tingling sensation that shot up her leg.

Did she dare take a drink?

Instinct screamed no, but curiosity whispered yes. Leaning down, she let her tongue touch the surface, then jerked back, coughing as the bitter taste hit her throat. It was worse than she’d imagined.

Panic stirred—what if he saw? What if he realized what she’d done? She turned quickly from the water, hurrying to rejoin him.

When their eyes met, a flicker of guilt crossed hers. She had stepped outside his protection, driven by curiosity. But there was no fear in her heart, no hesitation. Only certainty.

I love you, she said softly. It was all that truly mattered.

Even if they could never return, she would be content, so long as he was by her side.
But they would return. She would see to it. Their home was worth fighting for.