**********
Thanks for the Golden ticket, The_Monk_21. Your support is much appreciated.
***********
The cold wind bit into my skin as I walked toward the cave's exit.
Rune and Sera were already there, talking with the orc guards who stood watch.
Their breath fogged in the dim light leaking through the tunnel. I slowed down a little, staring at them.
A knot sat heavy in my chest, refusing to loosen no matter how many tears I had already shed.
I sighed, the sound leaving me like a quiet surrender.
"You seem to be in trouble," a voice came from beside me.
Merin.
Her eyes were covered with a strip of cloth, and her hands were bound in front of her. I held the chain connected to the collar around her neck.
Even blindfolded, she somehow managed to sound smug.
"None of your business," I said sharply, tugging the chain to make her move.
"Don't be so rough~," she said in that same teasing tone.
