Twenty minutes later, Emberlyn stopped and looked around at the unfamiliar trees surrounding her. Despite her S-rank abilities, she had to admit she was completely lost.

  The forest seemed to shift around her, paths appearing and disappearing as if by magic.

  "I should have just accepted his help," she muttered, frustration building as she pushed through another thicket. "Stupid pride."

  A glimmer of light ahead caught her attention. Relief flooded through her as she rushed toward it, breaking through the tree line with a triumphant smile, only to find herself staring at the familiar clearing of Rivermoor.

  "You've got to be kidding me!" she groaned, quickly stepping back into the shadow of the trees before anyone could spot her. This is so embarrassing!

  Determined not to admit defeat, she chose a different direction and plunged back into the forest. Her second attempt ended just like the first, right back where she started.

  So did her third try.

  Exhausted and utterly defeated, Emberlyn sank to the forest floor, drawing her knees up to her chest. Tears of frustration welled in her eyes, spilling over before she could stop them.

  What kind of S-rank hunter gets lost in a regular forest? she thought miserably. I'm pathetic.

  The soft crunch of approaching footsteps made her freeze. Without looking up, she already knew who it was, the familiar rhythm of his steps somehow recognizable to her.

  A pair of worn leather boots appeared in her line of vision, and slowly, she raised her head.

  Ethan stood before her, a warm lantern in one hand and a gentle, knowing smile on his face. There was no mockery in his expression, only understanding.

  "Need some help?" he asked softly.

  Pride warred with practicality in Emberlyn's mind for all of two seconds before she nodded, her face a mixture of frustration and embarrassment. As much as it hurt her ego, she knew when she was beaten.

  Ethan offered his hand, helping her to her feet with surprising strength. His touch was warm and steady, and Emberlyn found herself reluctant to let go once she was standing.

  They walked in silence, the forest now seemingly cooperative as Ethan led the way with confidence. The lantern cast a golden glow around them, pushing back the darkness and illuminating their path.

  Emberlyn kept her eyes fixed firmly ahead, too mortified to speak after her earlier rejection of his help.

  "You know," Ethan said after several minutes of walking, "everyone needs help sometimes. Even S-rank hunters."

  Emberlyn sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "I know. I just... I'm supposed to be capable. Strong. Independent."

  "And you are," Ethan replied without hesitation. "Asking for help doesn't make you weak. It makes you wise enough to know your limitations."

  His words struck a chord within her. Emberlyn glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "When did you get so philosophical?"

  Ethan chuckled, the sound warm in the cool night air. "Experience is a harsh but effective teacher."

  A comfortable silence fell between them before Ethan spoke again.

  "My first time here was exactly like yours," he admitted. "I tried to leave on my own and ended up walking in circles for hours. I think I tried at least six times before giving up."

  Emberlyn stopped walking, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Wait a minute. Have you been watching me this whole time?"

  "Since you first stormed off," Ethan confirmed with an unapologetic grin.

  "You—" Emberlyn spluttered, torn between outrage and laughter. "That's terrible! You just stood there and watched me fail over and over?"

  "I figured you needed to experience it yourself," he replied, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Sometimes firsthand knowledge is the best teacher."

  Despite herself, Emberlyn found a laugh bubbling up from her chest. There was something so disarming about his honesty.

  Their conversation flowed easily after that, all previous awkwardness forgotten. They talked about the orphanage, the children, and life in Eldervale.

  It felt strangely natural, as if they'd known each other for years instead of days.

  "Oh!" Emberlyn suddenly perked up, eyes lighting. "Next time, could you save some sweets for me?"

  "Sweets?" Ethan tilted his head, curious.

  "The ones from Belle's Candy Shop," she said with a half-smile. "I went by the other day and the shelves were empty. The shopkeeper said someone bought them all."

  Ethan's eyes widened. "Oh—was that your favorite shop?"

  Emberlyn nodded. "Mm-hmm."

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  "I'm so sorry," he said quickly, looking sheepish. "I really didn't know. I didn't mean—"

  "No, no, don't apologize!" Emberlyn waved her hands dismissively. "I know you didn't mean it."

  "I'll make sure to set some aside next time," Ethan promised, smiling. "The children tend to descend on desserts like a swarm of locusts."

  Emberlyn laughed softly. "They're wonderful kids. You've done something really special with them at Rivermoor."

  Ethan's smile was gentle as he glanced up at the stars peeking through the canopy. "There's nothing special about what I do for them. They gave me a home when I needed one most. I'm just returning the favor."

  Emberlyn studied his profile in the moonlight, struck by the quiet sincerity in his voice. He truly means that, she realized. No hint of false modesty. He genuinely doesn't see how extraordinary his kindness is.

  A pause settled between them, comfortable, reflective.

  Then Ethan narrowed his eyes, a teasing lilt in his voice. "Wait a second... how do you know I'm the one who bought all the sweets?"

  Emberlyn tilted her head to the side, feigning innocence, dodging the question without a word.

  Ethan chuckled. "You are following me! That's how you ended up at Rivermoor, isn't it?"

  She nodded shyly, a small smile curling at her lips.

  He laughed again, soft and warm.

  Something warm bloomed in her chest as she watched him, a feeling she couldn't quite name but didn't want to let go of.

  Catching her gaze, Ethan turned toward her. Emberlyn quickly looked away, heat rising to her cheeks.

  "We're here," Ethan announced suddenly.

  "What?" Emberlyn looked up in surprise. The main road stretched before them, the journey having taken less than ten minutes. "But how? I was wandering for nearly an hour!"

  Ethan's expression was apologetic but amused. "Rivermoor is protected by an old enchantment. If you don't know the correct path, it will always lead you back. It's for the children's safety."

  "That explains a lot," Emberlyn muttered, embarrassment returning as she realized how futile her efforts had been.

  She took a few steps toward the road before turning back. "Thank you, Ethan. For dinner, for the company, and..." she gestured vaguely at the forest, "for rescuing me."

  "Anytime," he replied, his voice carrying a depth of meaning that made her heart skip.

  With a final wave, Emberlyn turned and walked away, the lights of Eldervale visible in the distance. The night air felt cool against her flushed skin as she moved further from the forest, further from him.

  Behind her, hidden by shadows, Ethan remained motionless, watching her retreating figure. As soon as she was out of sight, his carefully maintained composure crumbled.

  Tears welled in his eyes and spilled onto his cheeks, the lantern light making them shimmer like liquid gold.

  He reached out one hand toward her vanished silhouette, his fingers trembling with the effort of not running after her.

  "Emberlyn," he whispered, his voice breaking on her name. "I miss you so much."

  The raw emotion in his voice traveled on the night breeze. Emberlyn paused mid-step, a strange shiver running down her spine. She turned back, sensing something calling to her, but saw only darkness where Ethan had stood.

  Strange, she thought, her heart beating faster for no reason she could name. After a moment's hesitation, she shook her head and continued toward town, convincing herself it was just her imagination.

  In the shadows of the forest edge, Ethan wiped away his tears with the back of his hand. Each day was both blessing and torture, to be so close to her, yet to have her look at him as a stranger.

  He turned back toward the orphanage, carrying the weight of memories she no longer shared.

  The next morning, Emberlyn woke earlier than usual. A single thought had lodged in her mind overnight, growing more insistent with each passing hour: sweets.

  She hurried to dress and made her way to her favorite shop in Eldervale. Standing outside, she bounced impatiently on her toes as she waited for the elderly proprietor to unlock the doors.

  The bell jingled merrily as she entered, her eyes immediately seeking out the display of chocolate truffles and caramel bonbons she loved so much.

  To her disappointment, the usual spot was empty.

  Did he forget what I mentioned last night? she wondered, trying to ignore the small pang of disappointment. It was just casual conversation. Of course he wouldn't remember.

  "Ah, Lady Scarlet!" The shop owner emerged from the back room, her wrinkled face breaking into a warm smile. In her hands was a package wrapped in delicate paper and tied with a ribbon. "This is for you."

  "For me?" Emberlyn blinked in surprise, accepting the offered package.

  "Yes, dear. A young man came by just after we opened, tall fellow with kind eyes," the old woman said with a knowing twinkle. "He asked me to hold these for you. Said they were your favorites and that you'd be stopping by this morning."

  "Um, Belle," Emberlyn said slowly, a suspicious look crossing her face. "Didn't you just open the shop when I walked in?"

  The old woman's eyes widened slightly, and she began fidgeting with her apron. "Well... yes, but—"

  "So how did this customer come by earlier this morning if you just opened?" Emberlyn pressed, her voice taking on an investigative tone.

  "Oh, well, you see..." The shopkeeper's face flushed as she realized her mistake. She avoided Emberlyn's gaze, suddenly very interested in rearranging the jars on the counter. "Sometimes I... I open a little early for... special customers..."

  "Special customers?" Emberlyn raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching with amusement. "But the other day, you told me 'first come, first serve' when I asked about the sold-out sweets. Yet here you are, serving customers before you even officially open?"

  The old woman's face turned even redder. "That's... that's completely different!"

  Emberlyn let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "You're lucky I like you, Belle."

  Belle looked up sheepishly, wringing her hands. "I'm sorry, dear. I know it wasn't fair."

  Emberlyn's expression softened. "It's all right. Just promise next time you'll save me at least one truffle without any secret deals involved."

  Belle grinned, clearly relieved. "Of course, of course! You have my word."

  Emberlyn smiled faintly in return, then turned her attention to the package in her hands. She carefully peeled back the ribbon and unfolded the delicate wrapping to reveal chocolate truffles and caramel bonbons, exactly the ones she loved most.

  A warm, fluttery feeling rose in her chest, soft and unexpected, as she imagined Ethan waking before dawn just to make sure she wouldn't miss out.

  But as quickly as the feeling came, confusion followed. Wait a minute, she thought, her brow furrowing slightly. I never told him which sweets were my favorites. All I said was, save some sweets for me.

  She thanked the shopkeeper and stepped outside, the package clutched close as a strange sense of déjà vu washed over her. The morning sunlight seemed to illuminate a question that had been forming since she first met Ethan:

  How does he know me so well?