Dawn rose over the monastery. The group had woken early, ready to get back on the road. Master Maël was waiting for them at the entrance, surrounded by a few apprentices. He handed them supplies—maps, healing potions, and even some basic protective amulets.
"May the winds guide you," he said seriously. "You carry more than you realize."
"Thank you for everything, Master Maël," Bella replied with deep respect. "You have been a great help."
"You are always welcome here," he added, placing a hand briefly on Caden's shoulder. "Take care of one another."
The goodbyes were quiet. The morning air was calm but held a strange tension. The group followed a forest trail, walking through tall grass and twisted roots. The mood was light: Caden was telling a ridiculous story, Zetch was complaining as usual, and even Aletha looked relaxed.
Then, as they climbed a muddy slope, Aletha slipped. Her foot slid on a wet root, and she fell to her knees.
"Well, Miss Grace just got taken down by a twig!" Caden joked, laughing.
The others laughed too, even Aletha, a bit embarrassed but amused.
"It's fine, it happens," she muttered as she stood up.
Caden, still smiling, walked over and offered his hand to help her.
But the moment he touched her, she stood up suddenly and shoved him back with unexpected force.
"Don't touch me!" she shouted, eyes wide with anger. "Never!"
The group froze. Silence fell like a heavy blanket. Even the birds seemed to stop singing. Caden stood still, then took a step back.
Aletha suddenly looked confused. Her eyes drifted away, as if she didn't understand what had just happened.
"I... it's okay," she whispered. "I just want to walk ahead alone."
Bella stepped closer, worried.
"Aletha, are you sure—"
"Yes. I just need to be alone. A few steps, that's all."
Without waiting for an answer, she started walking again, fast and ahead of the others. The rest exchanged silent looks and followed without a word.
Caden walked with his eyes down, his heart tight.
"I... I shouldn't have teased her," he said quietly.
Bella joined him, her eyes soft with concern.
"Don't be too hard on yourself," she said gently. "She might not even be mad at you. You know, sometimes when we hurt inside, we push away the ones who care..."
"No," Caden cut her off. "No, I was clumsy. It was stupid. I thought I'd make her laugh, but I hurt her. When we take a break... I'll talk to her. I'll say sorry."
Bella nodded, moved by his honesty.
They kept walking. But now the silence wasn't peaceful. It was heavy, suffocating. Something had changed, though no one knew what exactly.