By the fourth day of the Hunt, routine had carved itself into Noel's bones. Wake up in a cave, make sure the fire hadn't gone out, and check the pouch for what food was left. Same cycle, same grind. At least it kept things simple.
He leaned back against the rough stone wall, chewing on dried bread while the smoke of last night's fire still lingered in the air. Across from him, Selene stirred awake, brushing strands of short blue hair from her face. She blinked a few times, then gave a sharp inhale, catching him watching.
Her cyan eyes narrowed faintly. "What?"
Noel lifted a hand, pretending innocence. "Nothing. You just don't usually look… this unguarded in the mornings."
A faint crease appeared between her brows, but instead of answering she pulled her knees up, busying herself with her wand. Noel's lips twitched—getting her riled up this early wasn't a bad way to start the day.
