The next day, the group began their journey, hoping to catch up with the rest of their group. Zhanna also started tending to injured Shura, helping him apply ointment to his back and assisting with tasks that required him to stretch.
On the way to the neighboring village, Zhanna massaged Shura's back while they chatted.
"Where's Kazmir? I haven't seen him since yesterday," Shura asked.
"He said he had something urgent to take care of back in Volkorod," Zhanna replied.
Shura frowned, wondering what could be so urgent that Kazmir had to leave without telling him.
Zhanna glanced at him. "He did mention something about meeting with his father. He seemed genuinely worried though," she added. "Honestly, I think it's nice. His father must be proud of him. Not every father has a son he can count on. Some sons do nothing but criticize their fathers, and they act like having a simple conversation with them is a punishment. And the worst part? Their fathers actually care and want to be involved! Mine barely even knows I exist. But those sons? They have the nerve to be rude or ignore everything their father says."
She kept talking, unaware of the effect her words were having. Shura's expression darkened. Though Zhanna hadn't meant anything by it, her words struck a nerve. It felt too personal.
Without warning, he stood up, causing Zhanna to lose her balance and fall to the ground.
"What was that for?" she said, startled.
"There are some fathers who are truly at fault and deserve to be treated rudely by their sons" Shura spoke angrily.
"I was casually stating a fact, not prying into your personal life. Still, that wasn't enough reason for you to push me unto the ground like that" Zhanna started to get angry.
"I didn't push you" Shura stated nonchalantly.
"It's still your fault that I've got this bruise!" Zhanna said, expecting an apology from him but none came.
"Can you help me and..." Shura started to say.
"Do it yourself!" Zhanna said and marched out. They soon reached the nearby village and rejoined with their group members. Zhanna immediately rushed to hug Vika.
"I heard they've found out our secret" Vika whispered to Zhanna.
"Well yes but it's alright. I'm working on a strategy to get us to volkorod. Shura got injured during the battle and I'm taking care of him in exchange for getting us to Volkorod" Zhanna said. Vika smiled, she didn't know for sure what Zhanna was planning to do when she finally got to Volkorod 'cause what she (Vika) wnted was to live a peaceful life with the villagers and not get caught by the queen. Before it was midday, the group started their journey back again. On the way to Volkorod they saw different