Her eyes flutter open slowly. Her head was sore and heavy. Her head rested on the mane of Domino’s neck.

  They were still on the green and lush path. The sunlight beaming through the trees blinding her every few seconds, but also helping her to wake up.

  Sonas’ body was lying forward against Domino. His reins tied in a knot attached to the side of the cart. Matteo was in front, riding Apollo. He was silent and focused.

  Sonas’ mind was still groggy. Her vision was slowly coming back to her.

  When she let out a soft groan, Matteo looked back, noticing the noise.

  “You’re up. Good. You’ve been out for a while now.”

  “How long…?”

  “At least 3 hours.”

  “What happened…?”

  “You got knocked out when that demon Rogue threw you against a tree, and I took care of the rest. Something’s for sure, we’re not safe here anymore, especially that we’re heading for Steinfoss now.”

  “Oh…”

  Sonas sat up, holding her head in pain. She winced.

  “My head hurts..” She groaned.

  “Of course it does. That’s what happens when you get hit on the head super hard.” He sighed.

  “Right.”

  Sonas tried to grip the reins, but forgot that they were tied to the cart. She could only hold onto the saddle and mane.

  A cold breeze flew gently past them, and Sonas shivered. It was getting colder and colder the further they rode.

  “It’s starting to get rather cold…” She shivered.

  “Probably because we’re getting closer to the mountains. When we get to Steinfoss, we’ll spend the night there, and continue to the river.” Said Matteo.

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  She looked ahead and saw the image of mountains in the distance. They weren’t there before, but that was also before Sonas was knocked out.

  Grey clouds slowly started to form, and signs of rain were made clear. Light spotting was seen, and starting to dampen the earth. The dirt became mud, the smell was earthy and tropic.

  The two were starting to get wet and soaking.

  “It’s best we find some shelter until the rain stops. You’re shaking like a leaf.” Matteo spoke.

  He was right, Sonas was shaking and shivering from the rain. If this continued for any longer, the two could catch a cold, and that’s the least thing they would want. It would keep them behind schedule.

  The two looked around for a good place to take shelter. Through the green and wet forest, they found a small cave. It was big enough to fit both of them.

  They tied up the horses and crawled inside. Sonas sat down and looked around the cold and damp cave.

  “It’s cramped, but it’ll do till the rain clears.” She spoke.

  “I’ll light a torch for warmth. A fire could produce too much smoke, and attract unwanted attention. It should be enough to prevent us from catching a cold.” Matteo placed the torch on the ground, lighting it with a flint and rock, and the small cave lit up.

  It went from darkness, to a warm and orange colour. It warmed up pretty quickly.

  Still, their wet clothes kept them cold. Sonas shivered again.

  Matteo sighed in annoyance. She wasn’t as tough as he was. She was more fragile and weak, just like every other female who lived in the village. He couldn’t blame her, though. He, too, was quite cold.

  He leaned close against Sonas to share body warmth. Sonas let out a small gasp as he did. She was surprised that a man who grew up to be her rival would do something as kind as this.

  “Don’t say a word. I’m cold too.” He grumbles.

  “I don’t blame you. It’s hard to stay warm when you’re exposed to the cold rain.”

  “You think the toughest man on the planet would keep warm?” He scoffs.

  “You make it sound like he wouldn’t.”

  “Maybe. You never know until you see it for yourself.”

  Sonas scoffs, a small smile on her face.

  “Do you still hate me?” She asked.

  “Yep.”

  “Liar. You’re just trying to look like a careless tough bastard. You like helping me. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

  “I’m only helping you, because you paid me to do it.”

  “And…” She smirked.

  Matteo revealed a slight smile.

  “And… I think I owe you an apology from 8 years ago.”

  “You’re rather late, buddy.”

  “Shut up. Be grateful that I apologized.”

  Sonas smiled. She loved messing around with Matteo. His reactions were amusing to her.

  “See? You do care! You just don’t wanna show it.”

  Matteo chuckles. He couldn’t deny that fact. If he didn’t care, Sonas would probably have gotten herself killed.

  “I’m never doing this again. Consider yourself lucky.”

  “I already am.”

  The sounds of the rain became heavier, and more noise filled their ears. The scenery was getting darker, and the clouds became more and more grey.

  The torch was keeping them warm, along with their body heat as well.

  The dark and warm background made the two feel rather tired. They both yawned. Sonas leaned up against Matteo’s shoulder, using it as a pillow.

  “What are you doing?” He asked, looking down at her.

  “Your shoulder makes for a nice pillow.”

  “I’ll make you sleep outside.”

  “No you won't. Just deal with it, I need a pillow.” She said as she closed her eyes.

  Matteo scoffed. He leans his head up against the cave wall behind him, closing his eyes too.

  They both soon fell asleep, and waited for the rain to subside. Their breathing was peaceful, and quiet. Steam produced from their warm breathing against the cold environment.

  Water droplets falling from the edge of the cave, making a small stream into the cave, avoiding the sleeping duo.

  The two were out like a light. The only sounds being the rain.