The distant sounds of laughter, conversations, and the steady crackling of fire lingered behind them. Fading into soft background noise as they stood at the edge of the camp.
The warmth from the flames barely reached this far, leaving the space dim and colder, wrapped in a tension that felt separate from everything else.
Myles studied Michael in silence.
It didn't take long. He saw the tightness in Michael's face, the slight stiffness in his shoulders, and the way his gaze held just a bit too firm. Everything about him made it clear.
He wasn't here for a casual talk.
"This is serious," Myles thought, his expression remaining calm.
Michael swallowed.
For a moment, he hesitated. And that alone irritated him.
He didn't understand why.
Their height wasn't that different. Their builds weren't far apart either. If anything, he was slightly bigger. By all logic, there was no reason for him to feel this way.
But standing in front of Myles now…
Something felt off.
