It made me feel… exposed. Embarrassed.
I stood, brushing the dirt from my palms.
“Come on,” I said. “Let’s get back. Before grumpy bear sends out a search party.”
We headed back toward camp—Caelen still watching me, and mevery muchtrying not to notice.
Sure enough, Slade was waiting at the edge of the shore, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
His presence was like a wall—quiet, unmoving, solid. I didn’t meet his eyes.
I elbowed Caelen lightly. “Told you,” I muttered.
**
Later that night, once most of the camp had settled and the fire was dying low, I went to find Phoenix.
He was sitting by the lake, staring out over the water. Thinking hard. About what, I couldn’t tell.
I slipped into place beside him.
“Hey.”
“Hey,” he replied, his voice clipped.
“Are you ok?” I asked softly.
“I’m fine,” he said, forcing a smile that didn’t meet his eyes.
I studied him. “What’s up with you?”
He didn’t answer right away. Just looked past me—to where Caelen was unrolling his bedroll near the tents.
Caelen caught my eye and smiled.
Phoenix’s frown deepened.
“Nothing. I’mfine,”he said. Cooler than usual. “Just surprised you’re not hanging out with your friend back there.”
“Who, Maddie?” I asked, feigning innocence. “She’s currently snoring up my campsite.”
He rolled his eyes, looking away. “You know who I mean.”
“I don’t want to be with him,” I said quietly. “I wanted to be with you.” I reached for my bag. “I have something to show you—”
Phoenix let out a short, barking laugh. It startled me.
“What?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“So that’s what this is,” he said. “You want toknowsomething. Orlearnsomething.”
“Phoenix…”
He shook his head, but the anger was gone. All that was left was something softer. Sadder.
“Fine,” he said. “Tell me. What is it?”
I stared at him, completely bewildered. “Are you really ok?” I asked. “I mean, if you don’t want to talk we don’t have to…”
