The group began their trek back toward the forest's edge following Zacard's navigation crystal as the fungal glow shifted to indicate the approaching evening.
Lucas walked near the back of the group, his mind still thinking about everything that had happened.
The encounter with the boss monsters, Celeste's reckless use of magic to save him, her confession that only she and him had heard...
He'd been avoiding thinking about it, but he couldn't anymore.
"Lucas?"
He turned to find Celeste had dropped back to walk beside him. The others were far enough ahead that they had some privacy, though still within shouting distance.
"We need to talk," she said quietly.
"I know," Lucas replied.
They walked in silence for a moment and the sounds of the forest around them were all they could hear. The rustling of leaves, the distant animal calls and the crunch of their own boots on the undergrowth.
"About what I said," Celeste said. "My confession. I know you heard me."
