Rumble.
The weather outside had shown no signs of improving. Dark clouds hung heavily over the forest, and from the distant rumble of thunder, it seemed the rain would continue for at least a few more hours.
That was far from ideal.
If the allotted time expired, Luke would be forced to leave. By the time he could return, several days would have already passed in this world.
That was simply how things worked.
With Synthia, the situation had been different. She was safely hidden inside a grotto beneath the surface, a place no one could reach without knowing exactly where to look.
This woman, however, was another matter entirely.
She was clumsy, barely familiar with her surroundings, and they were still stranded in the middle of the forest.
Clatter.
"Ah! It fell."
Luke clicked his tongue and quickly picked up the lantern before any more oil could spill out.
As he had said.
Clumsy.
"Could you hold your curiosity for a moment? I'm trying to think."
