The following morning, as soon as the sun's rays brightened the pale night sky, the crew began to rise for their usual routine.
Outside one of the tents, Valtor buttoned up his uniform in preparation for departure. Lifting his gaze, he spotted Lynx heading his way.
"Good morning."
"Morning," Lynx replied. "How's the wound feeling?"
"Better, thanks," Valtor said. "I was thinking—since I can't fight with you guys for now, how about you take command on the field?"
Lynx paused. "You mean, I'll be acting captain?"
"Until I get better."
Lynx thought for a moment, then sighed. "Fine. But I'm not thrilled about this new job, so do us both a favour and get better fast."
Valtor smiled. "I will. Thanks, Lynx."
Lynx gave him a thumbs-up and continued on his way.
"Valtor?, he heard from behind.
He turned at the familiar voice. Orea was walking briskly toward him.
"Hey," he greeted, waving.
"Hey. I've been looking everywhere for you," she said, a hint of complaint in her tone.
"How was your—"
Before he could finish, Orea reached forward and lifted his uniform shirt halfway, eyes narrowing at his bare side.
"And… we're peeking through my shirt now," Valtor said dryly while patiently watching her.
She blinked, startled. "Your bandage—it's new."
"Yeah, I changed it this morning," he replied. "Didn't want to bother anyone, so I did it myself." He smiled, a little proud. "So, how'd I do?"
Orea's gaze lingered on the freshly wrapped wound. "It looks great," she said softly, her eyes tracing the edge of the bandage—and maybe a little beyond.
"You're still talking about the bandage, right?" Valtor teased, tilting his head.
Orea quickly tugged his shirt back down, her cheeks flushing. "Of course I am! What did you think I was talking about?" she said defensively.
"Relax, I'm just kidding." Valtor chuckled, his thumb brushing lightly along her cheek.
Her expression softened.
"You seem better." she spoke, eyes scanning his face.
"I feel better," he replied. "Though it still feels weird, following you guys into battle without lifting a finger."
"You can't, though," she said firmly.
"I know." He sighed. "As long as no one gets hurt, I'll try to stay put."
Now fully dressed, Lynx joined the duo. Orea waved on spotting him, "Hey Lynx".
"Hey, Good morning," he replied before glancing between them. "You guys ready to leave?"
They both nodded.
Soon after, the rest of the team joined them, fully geared up.
Valtor glanced around the crew. "Since I can't fight alongside you guys, Lynx'll be serving as captain in my place until I fully recover". The crew glanced around each other as they nodded in understanding.
"Alright," Lynx said, checking his wristband. "Let's head out."
The team continued north.
---
Once they encountered a group of monsters, Valtor took cover behind a pile of bushes while his friends fought in the open.
Few minutes into the fight, a powerful blast shook the ground, throwing everyone down with a heavy thud.
Forcing himself back up and peeking through the grass, Valtor saw a herd of winged aliens swoop down over the team, their wings beating furiously as the crew struggled to regain their footing. The creatures lunged again.
Valtor's expression hardened. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to jump in. "Guys, watch out!" he yelled.
Suddenly, the skies darkened. Angry bolts of lightning tore across the clearing, striking the monsters dead in an instant.
Relief flooded the group as they regained balance.
Valtor's eyes darted to Orea. She knelt on the ground, arm still outstretched, smoke rising faintly from her fingertips. Her hair swayed across her face as she drew in heavy breaths, pushing herself up while the others rushed to her side.
Valtor's gaze lingered on her, an impressed smile tugging at his lips as he watched from afar.
The group had settled into their new base, further north of the forest. After a satisfying meal, most of the team had retired for the night, while a few lingered around the campfire, Rowynn and Kymani's light chatter drifting through the cool air.
Noticing Orea's absence, Valtor slipped away, stepping into one of the vine-stitched tents. He found her seated on the floor, head resting against the wall, lost in thought.
"Hey," he called softly.
Her head lifted. "I thought you'd be asleep," she said.
"I thought you'd be sleeping too," he replied, sitting beside her. Their eyes met briefly before she looked away.
"You were really impressive today," he said after a pause. "That quick save at the battle—nicely done."
"Thanks," she replied with a faint smile. You did good too - staying put throughout the fight.
"Yeah", Valtor chuckled. An awkward silence settling between them.
"I've been thinking," Valtor began, his voice low. "Back at the barracks—the night we talked about that one incident with Lynx, he paused making sure she understood him. I told you to make your choice, and you did. I respected that." He exhaled softly. "But lately... things have felt different. Confusing."
Orea subconsciously drew a breath, her pulse quickening.
"Especially after I regained consciousness," he continued, his tone quieter now. "I keep trying to make sense of that kiss." His gaze locked on hers. "Was it just… instinct" His eyes flicked down briefly to her lips, then back to her eyes. "Or did it mean something more?", he whispered.
Orea's lips parted, but no words came at first. Her heart raced under the weight of his question.
"It wasn't instinct," she finally said, her voice barely a whisper. "I wish I could say it was… but it wasn't."
Her eyes lifted to meet his, steady this time.
"It was intentional... One of the few moments where I let my heart lead instead of my head."
Valtor's gaze lingered on her, unreadable, as if memorizing every word.
Orea looked away, drawing a shaky breath.
"It's hard to admit… but every time I look at you, it's like something in me stops fighting — and that scares me. You… scare me, Valtor. Because I've never felt this way before".
Valtor reached for her chin, turning her face gently toward him. He leaned in, their faces dangerously close, lips only inches apart — his warm breath mingled with hers.
"Do I really scare you?" he whispered.
Orea's breath trembled as she exhaled, eyes staring into his. "Yes… in a good way."
"You don't have to be afraid of your feelings, Orea," Valtor whispered softly. "Especially not with me."
"I feel exactly what you feel," he confessed, hands grazing her jawline. "And I've felt it for a long time."
Orea, lost for words, could only stare into his deep blue eyes.
Valtor smiled warmly and drew her gently against his chest. She melted into his embrace, eyes closing, a faint smile curving her lips.
"How about we just stay like this for a while?" he murmured.
"Yeah… I'd like that," she whispered back, as a peaceful silence settled over the night.