The fire crackled beneath the darkening sky, casting flickering light over their makeshift camp. Orange flames licked upward as shadows stretched long across the clearing.
A rustle from the trees made Rui glance up.
Zou stepped into the firelight, his once-elegant robes torn at the hem.
Yet his grin was triumphant.
In one hand, he held two plump rabbits by the hind legs and carried a bundle of fresh herbs in the other.
"Apologies for the delay," he announced, giving the rabbits a jaunty shake. "Dinner took some… convincing."
His golden eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "The local wildlife doesn't usually encounter predators with such flair."
"And I also found some mountain sage and wild onions. I think they'll make a passable stew."
Jin stirred from where he'd been resting against a fallen log. He pushed himself upright, moving carefully.
"Let me help with those," he offered, already reaching out.
"You need to rest," Rui said quickly, concern lacing her voice.
