They left the shop with their new gear, the heavy cloaks draped over their arms.
"We need horses," Xavier said, nodding toward the stable. "And supplies. Food, water, maybe a tent."
"Already ahead of you," Naomi replied. "I spoke to the stable master a few days ago. He has two horses for sale—nothing fancy, but sturdy enough for the journey."
Xavier glanced at her. "A few days? You were planning to leave even before I showed up?"
Naomi's expression grew guarded. "This place... it doesn't feel right. Being in someone else's body, living someone else's life. I needed to know I could leave if I wanted to."
Xavier wanted to say something comforting, but what was there to say to that?
"Now we're leaving together."
Naomi turned to face him, her gaze dropped to his mouth, lingered there, then quickly darted away. She pressed her lips together and spun around.
"Come on. The stable's this way."
He caught up in two strides. "You wanted to kiss me just then."
