Guilin sat across the campsite, quietly watching the two people beside the fire.
The red ribbon was still tied between them.
One end remained woven into Kui's hair while the other was wrapped securely around Aok's wrist. Even while they sat preparing dinner, it kept them connected. Whenever one of them shifted, the ribbon moved with them, bright red beneath the warm glow of the fire.
Guilin's eyes kept returning to it.
His stomach burned with resentment, but none of it showed on his face. He simply lowered his gaze toward the fire and picked up a thin branch.
The flames were burning perfectly well.
He reached forward and deliberately shifted the larger pieces of wood apart, spreading the burning logs until the flames slowly weakened. Within moments, the bright fire had reduced to smaller tongues of flame flickering around the glowing embers.
"Oh, the fire is about to go out," he murmured.
"I'll get some wood."
Aok volunteered immediately.
