Chapter Thirty-five (On The Run)

Eirika's eyes fluttered open to the soft swaying of the hammock beneath her. For a moment, she was disoriented, her senses struggling to adjust to her surroundings. But then, the smell of roasting meat reached her, and her stomach growled with hunger.

As she slowly sat up, she took in her surroundings. She was in a clearing, surrounded by trees that loomed tall and imposing on all sides. The crackling of the campfire filled her ears, the flickering of the flames dancing against the bark of the tree trunks in the shadowy ground.

Nigel emerged from the shadows, his sharp features illuminated by the fire. "Hey," he said, his voice gruff but warm. "How are you feeling?"

Eirika groaned, the effort of sitting up still taxing on her weakened body. "Like I'm trying to crawl out of my grave," she rasped. "Everywhere hurts."

Nigel nodded, going to stand beside her. "You've been through a lot," he said softly. "But you're safe now."

Eirika managed a weak smile, grateful for Nigel's kindnes