Joel's voice softened until it was almost a whisper. "I'm with you, Viana. No matter what."
Her heart ached, overwhelmed by the weight of his loyalty. She stepped closer, resting her hand on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm beneath it.
"Joel," she said, her voice trembling, "if we don't make it—"
"We will," he interrupted, his hand cupping her face, his thumb brushing her cheek. "You're not losing me, Princess. Not today."
Their eyes locked, the world shrinking to the space between them. Viana leaned in, her lips just inches from his, but a distant shout from the trail pulled them apart. Joel's men were signaling the caravan's approach.
"Dusk," Joel said, his voice rough. "It's time."
***
The caravan's lanterns flickered in the dimming light, casting jagged shadows across the forest trail.
