Bab 37: There's A Human Here?

"I'm sorry for leaving you here, horsey."

Crystal gently stroked the horse's mane as she stood on an enormous tree root.

The horse nickered softly, leaning into Crystal's touch as if to reassure her. She smiled faintly, her fingers grazing its soft fur. 

"I know you would've carried me far away from all this if you could," she whispered, pressing her forehead gently to the horse's. "But they would've found us eventually if I traveled with you… And, maybe to catch me they'll injure you. I couldn't put you through that."

Kaelen's voice called from behind her, breaking the moment. "You know, talking to your horse about escape isn't exactly the best way to keep your plan secret."

Crystal sighed, straightening up and looking back at him. "You caught me, huh. You could've just let me go, Kaelen. There's still time…"

He shook his head, giving her an exasperated smile.