Ch 54: Prepared, She till what just happened

Gray's eyes scanned the area cautiously, his gaze darting from one shadow to the next. The lingering tension from the earlier attack made him hyperaware of every rustling leaf and distant bird call. His hand remained on his spear, his body ready to spring into action at any moment, though he hoped they would be given a brief reprieve from danger. The smell of wood smoke from the fire Maria was tending to provided a bit of comfort, its soft crackling breaking the silence.

Liza, near the fire, was focused on preparing the meal, chopping vegetables with precise, methodical movements. Every now and then, she glanced toward the tent where Vanisa rested, her brow furrowed in concern. Maria, her hands busy gathering kindling, mirrored Liza's worry as she moved around the campsite, pausing occasionally to check on the fire. Her eyes lingered on the tent as well, full of anxious thought.