The sun had set, casting the jungle into darkness. Inside the cave, flames danced in the firepit, casting aside the shadows in an orange and red glow. Flowers of luminous pink, purples and blues pulsed behind Zanari, falling down like a curtain on the wall. They sat around the pit, the fish gutted and turning on a wooden spit, roasting the meat.
Yoa's hand remained firmly around Nova's, though she sensed he wanted her in his lap. The affection was normal, but there was an underlying sense of unease beneath the surface. His expression was stoic like usual, yet even if there was no bond between them, nothing passed Nova now.
To the other side Raokan sat on a rock, back ramrod straight as he watched them, chopped logs and branches by his side, piled high. He was certainly intimidating, especially given the seat that made him taller than everyone, and acting like a throne while he passed judgement on Nova.
