Chapter 53: A Leader's Weakness

Backtracking through the forest proved to be a daunting task. Every shadow seemed to shift, every tree looked the same, and the sounds of the forest played tricks on our senses. Yet, with Ailende leading the way, we pressed on, determined to find our way out of this labyrinth of greenery.

As we retraced our steps, the tension between Gwendolyn and Ailende simmered just beneath the surface, their gazes clashing like thunder in the distance. Hana and I exchanged worried glances, silently hoping that their animosity wouldn't lead to another argument.

"Tense, isn't it?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, glancing back at Gwendolyn and Ailende, who were a few paces ahead, their body language tense and guarded. "Yeah, you could cut the tension with a knife," I replied quietly. "I just hope they don't start bickering again. We've got enough on our plate as it is."