To the City

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and for some reason, I felt a surge of determination to stay awake. But without moving, simply sitting and waiting, it was like trying to hold back a flood with a single finger. I managed to avoid outright falling asleep or leaning on his shoulder again, but I couldn't fight off the drowsiness completely. I dozed off once or twice more, my head bobbing, before a gentle hand shook me awake, startling me into jerking upright.

The world snapped back into focus, and I found Jessia watching me with an amused smirk. Embarrassment warmed my cheeks, and I averted my gaze, suddenly fascinated by the intricate patterns of frost forming on the ground.

"Shall we get moving?" Luke asked, standing.