Eventually, morning arrived, dragging pale sunlight through the gaps in the tent flaps.
By the time the first voices stirred outside and the camp came back to life, Malin had just barely slipped into a shallow, restless sleep.
Outside, servants were already packing up supplies. Horses were being fed, sacks loaded, and the hushed rhythm of soldiers preparing for the road echoed faintly through the trees.
Eugene, near the horses, was busy tossing hay when a familiar voice reached him.
"Hi there," Sam greeted casually, a smile playing on his lips as he strolled closer.
Eugene turned, narrowing his eyes at the younger man. "What do you want?"
Sam tilted his head, scanning the camp as though searching for something. "I noticed you're working alone. Malin's still asleep?"
Eugene stiffened. "What's your point?"
"Nothing at all," Sam said smoothly, stepping in closer. "I've just been… observing. You're not treated like the others. It's strange."
