---
Not long after, they stopped briefly under the shade of a lone oak-like tree to drink water and let Kai's arms rest from supporting Renna's weight. Vexor sat on a smooth rock, face twisted in pain. "We must keep going," he said simply, voice low. "But I feel so weak. Can you please check the surroundings, Are we… safe?"
Kai peered around, warily scanning the open grasslands. "I'm not sure," he admitted, "but we can't stay here. We might find a safer location beyond that forest." He pointed to the tree line still an hour or two away. The thick canopy might offer shade, along with new hazards, but it was better than cooking under the midday sun in open fields.
