Chapter 14

Author note: want to read farther ahead? Go check out my pattern where I will be posting chapters early - patreon.com/random_person11

Current chapters ahead: 2

Chapters that will be posted on their today: 1 or 2

——————-

The journey back to their hideout was peaceful, the tension of their mission melting away with each step they took. The forest around them seemed almost welcoming, the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds providing a soothing soundtrack. Aeon and Lyra walked side by side, their bodies tired but their spirits high.

"That was one hell of a mission," Aeon said, breaking the comfortable silence. He glanced at Lyra, who was inspecting a small cut on her arm with a frown.

"Yeah, but we pulled it off," she replied, her expression softening into a smile. "And we got some great intel and supplies. That's a win in my book."

Aeon nodded, feeling a sense of pride swell in his chest. "Absolutely. You were amazing out there, Lyra. Those guards didn't stand a chance."

Lyra chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I could say the same about you. Your flames were impressive. I bet they're still trying to figure out what hit them."

They continued walking, the path ahead leading them back to their hidden camp. As they neared the familiar clearing, Aeon felt a wave of relief wash over him. It was good to be back, away from the immediate danger, even if only for a short while.

Once they reached their camp, they set down their gear and began to unwind. Aeon lit a small campfire, the flames crackling warmly in the cool evening air. Lyra sat across from him, stretching her legs and leaning back against a tree.

"So, tell me something about yourself that I don't know," Aeon said, a playful grin on his face. "We've been through a lot together, but there's still so much we don't know about each other."

Lyra tilted her head, her ears twitching slightly as she considered his question. "Alright," she said, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Did you know I used to be a pretty good artist? Before... everything, I loved to draw and paint."

Aeon raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "Really? I never would have guessed. Do you still draw?"

Lyra's smile faded slightly, her eyes distant for a moment. "Not much anymore. It's hard to find the time or the peace of mind. But maybe one day, when things are different."

"I'd love to see your work," Aeon said sincerely. "I bet it's amazing."

"Maybe I'll show you someday," she replied, her smile returning. "How about you? What's something I don't know about you?"

Aeon thought for a moment, a wistful look crossing his face. "I used to be really into astronomy. I loved stargazing and learning about the planets and galaxies. It was like looking into the past and future all at once."

Lyra's eyes lit up with interest. "That sounds incredible. Do you still stargaze?"

"Not as often as I'd like," Aeon admitted. "But every now and then, when the sky is clear, I'll take a moment to look up and remember why I loved it so much."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts. The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows around their camp. Aeon felt a sense of peace, a rare and precious feeling in their tumultuous world.

"You know," Lyra said, breaking the silence, "it's nice to just sit and talk like this. No missions, no danger. Just... us."

Aeon nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it is. We should do it more often. It's important to take a break and just enjoy the moment."

Lyra smiled warmly at him, her eyes reflecting the firelight. "Agreed. So, any other hidden talents or interests I should know about?"

Aeon laughed, shaking his head. "I think that's all my secrets for now. But I'm sure there's more to learn about you."

They continued to share stories and laugh, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. Aeon felt a deep sense of gratitude for having Lyra by his side. She was more than a companion; she was a friend, someone he could trust and rely on.

As the night wore on, the conversation turned to lighter topics. They joked about their adventures, reminiscing about the close calls and funny moments they had shared.

"Remember that time we ran into that bear?" Lyra said, her laughter ringing out in the quiet night.

Aeon groaned, rubbing his forehead. "How could I forget? I thought for sure we were done for. You handled it like a pro, though."

Lyra grinned, her eyes shining with pride. "Yeah, but I think the bear was more scared of us than we were of it."

They both laughed, the sound a welcome relief from the usual tension and stress of their lives. It felt good to relax, to let go of the weight on their shoulders, even if just for a little while.

As the fire burned low, Aeon and Lyra grew quiet, the peaceful silence enveloping them once more. Aeon looked at Lyra, her features soft in the dim light, and felt a surge of affection. They had been through so much together, and he knew that whatever the future held, they would face it side by side.

"Thank you," Aeon said softly, his voice filled with sincerity.

Lyra looked at him, her eyes questioning. "For what?"

"For being here. For fighting with me. For being my friend," Aeon replied, his gaze steady.

Lyra's expression softened, a gentle smile curving her lips. "Thank you, Aeon. For all of that and more. I'm glad we have each other."

They sat in silence for a while longer, the bond between them growing even stronger. As the last embers of the fire died down, they prepared for bed, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges and adventures.

But for now, they were content. They had each other, and that was enough. The future was uncertain, but with Lyra by his side, Aeon felt ready to face whatever came their way. Together, they were unstoppable.