Chapter 13: Ch 13: Guild quest hunt complete

As the sun dipped lower, casting the world in shades of twilight, Gray and Vanisa finished bathing in the cool river. The water had washed away the grime of battle, leaving them refreshed. They helped each other dress, exchanging soft smiles and quiet laughter, the air between them light and comfortable. Vanisa gently adjusted the sleeve of Gray's tunic, her fingers brushing against his arm, and he offered her a shy, grateful grin in return.

The walk back to the village was peaceful, the evening breeze cool against their skin. The sky above them was now a deepening violet, stars beginning to twinkle faintly in the distance. Gray could hear the soft crunch of their footsteps on the dirt path, the world around them quiet save for the occasional chirp of crickets. Vanisa walked beside him, still humming softly to herself, her contentment almost infectious.