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Lux nodded, focusing on her footing. The rocks were loose, shifting slightly under her weight, but she managed to keep her balance. Zoey was just a few steps ahead, moving at a steady pace.

“Have you ever been stuck out here before?” Zoey asked.

“No,” Lux replied. “I did get lost in a game reserve once, though.”

“Are you serious?”

“True story. Luckily, my father found me in less than five minutes.”

“That doesn’t count as being lost, does it?” Zoey asked.

“When you’re wondering which wild animal would find you first, time moves pretty slowly.”

“I know that feeling.”

Lux groaned as her ankle hit against a stem. She slowed down.

“You okay?” Zoey asked, slowing down, too.

“It’s fine. I’m fine.” Lux continued walking. “Walking has never been my strong suit.”

“No arguments there,” Zoey said. “Explains why you chose to fly a chopper instead.”

Lux chuckled. “You could say that.”

After what felt like hours of walking, they came across a small stream. The water trickled gently over smooth stones, the sound soothing against the backdrop of their heavy breathing.

“Let’s take a quick break,” Zoey said, dropping her pack on the ground. “We could use a bath.”

Lux hesitated, looking up the mountain. She knew they needed to keep moving, but the thought of washing off the dirt and sweat was tempting.

“Just a few minutes,” Zoey added, already pulling off her boots.

Lux finally nodded, setting her pack down. She knelt by the stream, dipping her fingers into the water. It was warmer than she expected, but felt good against her skin.

“Feels nice,” Zoey said, wading into the shallow water.

Lux followed, the warm water lapping at her legs. The stream wasn’t deep, just covering her ankles, but it was enough to wash away the grime that clung to her skin.

Zoey cupped her hands, splashing water over her arms and neck. Lux did the same, the warmth of the water soothing her aching muscles. They moved slowly, almost lazily, letting the water rinse away the dirt and sweat.

Lux glanced over at Zoey, noticing how the water clung to her skin and the way her wet hair stuck to her neck. Zoey looked up, meeting Lux’s gaze. She flashed a small, almost shy smile.

“Better?” Zoey asked.

Lux nodded. “Yeah. Better.”

They stayed in the water for a few more minutes, letting the warmth soak into their skin. Lux could feel the tension in her body easing, the steady thrum of anxiety quieting just a bit.

But they couldn’t stay there forever.

Zoey was the first to move, stepping out of the stream and reaching for her boots and pack. Lux followed, reluctantlypulling herself out of the water and drying off as best as she could.

“We should keep going,” Zoey said.

Lux nodded, slipping her boots back on. The moment of peace was over, but it had been enough to keep her going. She could still feel the warmth of the water on her skin as they started walking again.

They continued up the mountain. The ground was rougher, and the rocks were less stable. Lux’s legs ached with every step, but she kept moving, determined not to slow down.