†SOUND†

Aria and Ryan sat together, savoring their meal in a comfortable silence. The only sounds was that of the gentle rustling of leaves.

As they ate, the tension between them from been on high alert disappeared, leaving them in a comfortable silence.

Aria and Ryan gazes met, and for a moment, they just looked at each other.

"You know," Ryan said, breaking the silence, a hint of amusement playing in his voice, "I never thought I would say this, but... You're not so bad for a liability."

Aria laughed out loud, She was expecting a better praise than that, but at least he didn't leave her to die.

"Thanks, I think," she replied playful.

"Hey, don't get too excited," Ryan teased with a smile. "It's a compliment."

Aria chuckled, she could not believe this was the same man who was always with a frown and a serious expression.

"I'm thrilled," she said, her sarcasm evident.

Ryan's eyes crinkled.

"You should be," he said. "I don't usually praise liabilities."

Aria playfully rolled her eyes at the stray bullet he just throws at her.

"You are really a charmer," Aria replied finishing her food.

Ryan drank his water, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he heard her say it, his expression was relaxed.

Aria turned slightly, surveying their surroundings. Her gaze landed on a sturdy stick lying nearby, just behind the tree they were sitting on.

She picked it up to test the weight and balance. The stick felt solid, its texture rough against her palm.

Ryan saw her and raised an eyebrow at her action.

"What are you doing?" he asked smoothly as he throws his empty can.

Aria examined the stick, checking for any weak points, that could break from the stick.

"Finding a walking aid," she replied, she didn't want to cling to Ryan's back for the remaining walk, at least they weren't in any serious danger for them to run now, so it would save Ryan energy when the time comes.

Ryan nodded thoughtfully.

"Good thinking," he said. "That should help take some pressure off your leg but I can still carry you through."

Aria smiled inwardly, appreciating his gratitude.

"I want to walk a little" she said. "We don't know what's ahead."

"Let's move then," Ryan said standing up. "We need to find shelter before nightfall."

With Ryan's support and her makeshift cane, Aria took her first steps. The stick provided stability, easing the pain in her leg.

Aria walked using the stick for support. She winced slightly as she put weight on her injured leg.

Ryan watched, impressed, as Aria moved through the terrain with newfound ease, her makeshift cane stabilizing her injured leg.

As they walked out from the tree area, the silence between them was filled with the sounds of their footsteps and the rustling of leaves.

"How's your leg holding up?" Ryan asked with concern beside her.

Aria took another step, testing her weight.

"Manageable," she replied, her breathing steady.

The sunlight filtering through the trees cast more shadows on the ground.

"We will take breaks when needed," Ryan said.

Aria looks at him "I would appreciate that," she said.

They continued on their journey, surrounded by the deserted land with a comfortable silence between them that was only punctuated only by the occasional rustling of leaves and the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet.

Aria's face contorted in occasional winces as she walked, her injured leg protesting the movement. She adjusted her stride, leaning slightly on her makeshift cane for more support.

Ryan noticed her discomfort and slowed down his pace.

"Okay?" he asked.

Aria nodded."Just need to adjust my stride," she replied steadily.

Ryan's eyes lingered on her, ensuring she was manageable.

"Take your time," he said.

Aria smiled gratefully, Ryan was such a a gentleman man, she thought.

Their silence resumed, filled with the soothing sounds of nature and as they walked, the terrain shifted to reveal rolling hills, dense foliage and clusters of wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze.

The sun began its descent, casting a warm orange glow across the rolling hills and dense foliage, indicating the approach of evening.

Aria cursed under her breath, frustration getting on her face, her eyes squinting slightly as she gazed out at the remaining sunlight.

"I thought we would be in the north by afternoon," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment and her words laced with a hint of desperation.

Ryan glanced at her, Recalling the time in the sedan.

"Fuel ran out sooner than expected," he replied calm.

Aria nodded, her ponytail bobbing slightly.

"And now we are stuck walking," she added, her eyes drifting down to her injured leg.

Ryan shrugged,"At least we're making progress," he said.

Aria sighed, the sound carrying through the evening air.

"The progress isn't fast enough..." Aria was about to reply when Ryan sharply turned to her with urgency.

"Shhhh," he whispered, his finger pressed against his lips, his face inches from hers.

Aria's words died on her lips, and she quickly fell silent, her breath catching in her throat.

They both halted their walk, freezing in unison, their feet rooted to the earth.

Both Ryan and Aria heads cocked slightly to the side, straining their ears to pick up the faint sound that had caught Ryan's attention.

The evening air was heavy with anticipation and Aria's eyes darted to Ryan's, questioning, her pupils dilating.

Suddenly, a faint rustling echoed through the trees, the sound sending a shiver down Aria's spine.

Ryan's hand instinctively went to his gun at his hip, his fingers wrapping around the strap.

"Stay close," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Aria grip on her makeshift cane tightened as Their breathing slowed and their senses got heightened.

The rustling grew louder, the sound of leaves crunching beneath footsteps.

Aria's eyes moved quickly over their surroundings, her vision sharp.

Ryan's eyes also scanned the horizon, his expression tense.

"What is it?" Aria whispered, she couldn't see anything but she could hear the sound.