บท 318: An Unforeseen Danger

"Are you all right?" he asked, breaking the silence that had descended upon them. "I nearly screamed when I saw the branch falling towards you. Thankfully, your reflexes saved you."

"I'm fine. A small branch like that won't harm me," she replied.

Ayden's eyes, dark orbs of concern, shifted downward to Clara's hand.

"I keep forgetting that you're a knightess," he murmured. "I've missed you... It's been too long since we last spent time together."

Clara remained silent, her gaze drifting away from the assistant healer, seeking solace in the tranquil beauty of the garden.

"Are you angry with me?" Ayden questioned, his eyes searching for any hint of her emotions.

"No," the knightess responded curtly.

"Then why do I sense that you're avoiding me? What mistake did I make that caused this distance between us?" he pressed.