The path ahead stretched in silence. Dust swirled around their boots as they walked through the narrowing trail. The morning sun climbed higher, its heat pressing against their backs, but the real weight came from something unspoken.
Auri walked slightly ahead, his jaw tight. He hadn't said a word since they left the camp. He hadn't look back once.
Wrye walked beside him with a lighter step. He gave a sideways glance and a small smile. "You know, if you'd warned me the morning would start with acupuncture and dramatic standoffs, I'd have brought popping kernels."
Auri didn't answer.
That was strange even to himself. Usually, he'd respond. Maybe with a smirk. Maybe something sarcastic. But not now.
Wrye seemed to notice too. His smile faded just a little. "Tough crowd."
"The storm has not yet passed from your heart, I see," Ambassador Jiang said, his voice gentle, maybe even cautious.
Auri's eyes narrowed, but he kept walking.
