Sion sat still, the pond's reflection rippling beneath him. Dara's head was warm against his thigh, her breathing slow and even.
Then—she stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open, catching the soft light. She stretched once, then sat up, blinking away sleep like a cat shaken from a dream.
Sion tilted his head, watching her with soft curiosity. "Good nap?"
Dara nodded, brushing her hair back. "Perfect."
Then, she stood—graceful and sudden. Her eyes sharpened.
"I'm heading toward the Catacombs center."
Sion blinked. "Now?"
She gave him a cheeky grin. "Yeah. I want to clear it."
He stood with her, dusting his coat off. "Hmm, okay then."
But Dara shook her head. "Nope."
Sion raised an eyebrow.
"You are not coming," she said with a smirk. "Your instincts, senses, precognition… all of that? It's cheating. It would be too easy."
Sion stared at her, unconvinced. A hint of worry could be seen in his eyes.
Dara crossed her arms. "Sion."
He flinched slightly. "Yeah?"
