When Su Qinglan woke up, the first thing she felt was warmth. The beast hide covering her was soft and smelled faintly of Hu Yan. She blinked slowly and looked around. The cave was quiet and filled with the dim orange light of the evening sun.
After waking up, she felt refreshed, and the heaviness in her mind disappeared from using her abilities. Her body didn't ache, and her mind was clear. She stretched lazily, her arms lifting above her head as she let out a small yawn.
The place was empty. Hu Yan wasn't there. Even Stove, who was always awake and alert, seemed to be sleeping quietly near her pillow. His little vine body was curled up tightly, and she didn't have the heart to wake him.
Su Qinglan rubbed her eyes and stood up. Her steps were light as she walked toward the cave's mouth. The air outside was cool and smelled faintly of smoke and wood.
When she stepped out, her eyes softened.
