The forest grew quiet the deeper they travelled. Only the sound of their footsteps and breathing broke the silence.
Lila's legs felt like they were going to break at any moment. Every step made them numb, pain spreading all over her body as the air grew colder.
But Davien didn't slow down, not even once.
He walked fast, eyes scanning the forest as if expecting an attack at any moment.
"Davien, slow down," Lila gasped, her voice cracking.
"We're not safe," he said immediately without looking back.
"But I can't keep up anymore," she said, still trying to walk.
Then suddenly, her leg snagged on a tree root she didn't know was there. Before she could steady herself, her body lost balance and she fell.
Davien turned quickly, catching her mid-fall. His hands wrapped gently around her waist.
"Careful," he muttered. For a moment, as she was still in his arms, she saw a flicker of panic in his eyes. She pushed herself up, taking a step back.
"Davien… I have something I want to ask you. It may be an unreasonable request, but please consider it," Lila said, resting her arm against a tree.
"What is it?" Davien asked, his expression puzzled.
"Teach me how to fight… even if it's just a little or for self defense.
"No. No, Lila. Never," Davien replied immediately.
"Davien, please. I had a feeling you would say this, I'm tired of being like this," Lila pleaded.
"Like what?" he questioned.
"Like being weak. Always protected. Do you know how it feels to be powerless in front of an enemy? Do you know how miserable I felt when my village was destroyed? What if it happens again? And the bandits,What if you're unable to beat them if they come again and they get to me—no, to us? Please, just once, listen to me!"
Lila looked at him, tears threatening to fall. "I… I hate the way I am. This stupid powers you talked about—the one you said was mine—where is it now? I can't feel it. I can't see it. What makes you think it's even there?"
They both went silent. The cold wind rustled through the dried leaves drifting past them.
"Look, Lila… I'm sorry. I know you're feeling overwhelmed right now, and guilty. But it's not your fault the village was destroyed. You don't need to do anything. Just focus on healing. Don't push yourself too much. We can take a break," Davien said, breaking the silence.
"What? do I really look that weak to you she said voice trembling.
Davien sighed. "No that's not it.My mission is to protect you and bring you to the Shattered Lands—nothing more."
"But I want to be useful! I don't want to put all the work on you," Lila said.
I was to be able to defend myself no matter the situation.
"You're already useful… just by standing there,and being alive," he replied. walking forward, then stopped and dropped their bags on the ground.
"I'm heading out. Stay here and rest."
"What? You're leaving me here? I want to come too!" Lila protested.
"No, Lila. Stay here and rest. You're injured. And we will not speak of this again, I need to get some fresh air," he said before walking into the forest and leaving her behind.
Lila, who had been suppressing her anger, finally let out a small scream, clenching her fists.
"Just you wait and see," she muttered, kicking a stone beside her.