After an hour of peaceful walking through the forest, Markus and the others find themselves wrapped in the quiet rhythm of nature. Squirrels dart up the trees while deer-like creatures graze among the roots, their ears twitching at every sound. A cool breeze brushes against their skin, carrying the scent of moss and wildflowers. The shade keeps the air soft and pleasant until golden evening light begins to filter through the canopy, setting the leaves aglow like tiny embers drifting in the wind.

  “We don’t have much daylight left—we should set up camp,” Alexia says, setting down her bag and pulling out a rolled-up tent.

  “Sounds good,” Markus replies. “Looks like we’re already halfway there anyway. I’ll grab some firewood.”

  He moves his fingers, summons his sword, and begins chopping fallen branches into neat pieces. When he returns, a small smile tugs at his lips—two tents already stand beside the crackling campfire.

  “Heya, Markus,” Alexia calls out, grinning. “We got the tents set up.”

  Markus blinks. “Wait, I thought we had three tents.”

  “Shhh,” Liddle whispers, stepping close enough that her breath brushes his shoulder. “Looks like we’ll have to share.”

  Markus sets up the campfire, arranging the wood into a tidy pile before lighting it with a flick of his sword. Warm light spills across the campsite as he rummages through the bag the king gave them.

  “Huh?” Markus mutters, pulling out a familiar white pouch.

  Alexia tilts her head. “Marshmallows? Why would the king pack these? There’s no way he could’ve known.”

  “That they restore mana,” Markus says with a smirk, tossing one toward her. “Go on, take one—we’re going to need your mana tomorrow.”

  Alexia catches it easily and pops it into her mouth. “It’s a shame we don’t have chocolate or crackers,” she says, chewing. “Could’ve made the full thing.”

  Markus laughs softly. “Yeah. When we get back home, we need to make s’mores. I don’t think Liddle or Sally have ever had one.

  Liddle tilts her head. “What’s a s’more? Is it like when you want more of something, but it’s still not enough?”

  Markus grins. “Not quite. It’s like a sandwich—you use crackers, chocolate, and roasted marshmallows. The flavors blend together so perfectly it’s almost as sweet as you.”

  He hands a marshmallow to Liddle. She takes a bite, her eyes lighting up.

  “That’s really nice,” she says softly. “I could live like this forever.”

  “We can visit from time to time,” Markus replies, smiling as the fire crackles between them.

  Liddle nods. “I know you did so much to make Ohio City comfortable for me… but anywhere else on Earth still feels scary.”

  “Yeah,” Markus says quietly, poking at the campfire with a stick. “It’s not fair.”

  Alexia leans back against her log, grinning. “You’d better be careful, Markus. If Liddle’s accepted here, she might find herself a better guy.”

  “There is no better guy,” Liddle says without hesitation. She wraps both arms around Markus’s and curls her tail gently around his waist.

  “Yeah,” Markus murmurs, pulling Liddle a little closer and resting her head against his shoulder. “It feels like things are going too well.”

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “Not every mission goes wrong,” Alexia says, stretching her arms behind her head. “Sometimes you just go in, get the job done, and get out. I used to have those all the time back when I worked for the Alien Department.”

  Markus laughs softly. “Guess I’m just unlucky, then.”

  Alexia smirks. “Oh, please. You’ve survived worse than anyone I know.”

  Markus pokes at the fire again. “Yeah, but nothing’s ever been simple. Even with Liddle, I had to hide her identity from the Alien Department. And I’m glad I’ve had you as a friend through all those years, but…” He glances up with a small grin. “I also had to save you from a fire, remember?”

  “Aww, you do care,” Alexia giggles, slipping off her shoes and stretching her toes in the cool grass.

  “What makes you think I didn’t care?” Markus asks, feigning offense.

  Alexia smirks and deepens her voice mockingly. “Did you grow up with you? ‘I’m Markus, and I’m Darky Dark-Dark. I must practice the dark arts and brood dramatically in the corner.’”

  Markus rolls his eyes. “I was not that bad,” he says with a small laugh. After a quiet moment, he adds, “Still… we should be able to reach the dragon tomorrow. We’re unstoppable together.”

  He stares into the campfire, watching the flames twist and dance. “I’ve been doing some thinking.”

  Alexia giggles. “First time for everything.”

  “Oh, ha ha,” Markus mutters, coughing lightly before continuing. “I mean it. You two have been helping me ever since I got this Mahoishi, and now that I’m the wielder of the Life-Giving Blade… I never really said thank you.”

  Alexia smiles softly and lets out a long breath. “You don’t have to get all sappy. We’re friends, Markus. We already know.”

  “Hey, baby,” Liddle says softly. “You should get some rest. It’s going to be a long fight tomorrow.”

  Markus smirks. “I’m sure you have no ulterior motives.”

  “Nope,” Liddle says with a playful grin. “I just want cuddles. I’m pretty open about that.”

  “She’s right,” Alexia chimes in, stretching her arms behind her head. “I can keep watch while you two sleep. Or, you know… something else.”

  Markus sighs, a faint laugh slipping out. “I swear, you two plot against me sometimes. But fine—if you’re sure. Just… wake me if anything happens, alright?”

  As Markus settles into his tent, he exhales softly, shifting until he finds a comfortable spot. The gentle crackle of the fire outside lulls him toward rest—a brief peace before the journey ahead.

  Outside, Alexia pokes at the flames with a stick and glances toward Liddle. “So… I have to ask. How are you and Markus doing? You two are so cute together.”

  Liddle’s cheeks tint a soft pink. “Honestly? I never thought I’d find someone—let alone a human. But he’s been nothing but kind. He makes me feel safe.”

  Alexia grins. “Well, you’ve been doing a good job keeping him alive. Keep up the good work.”

  Liddle’s smile falters a little. “I thought I was going to lose him once… at the church. Priest Urban poisoned him pretty badly.”

  Alexia’s teasing expression softens. “But you kept him alive. He needs you, Liddle.”

  A moment of silence passes, filled only by the quiet crackle of burning wood. Liddle stares into the fire, her thoughts drifting far away.

  Then Alexia smirks, breaking the quiet. “While you’ve got him, you should sneak into his tent naked. He’d probably die of happiness.”

  Liddle covers her face, laughing in embarrassment. “Markus wouldn’t… do anything with me. He’s afraid of what might happen if a human and a demon… well, you know.”

  Alexia chuckles. “That’s uncharacteristically cautious for him—but I get it. Nobody knows if a pregnancy would even be safe for you. You’d be the one at risk, not him.”

  Her voice softens again. “Go to him. I’ll wake you in a few hours.

  Liddle hesitates for a moment, then nods. With a shy smile, she quietly unzips the tent flap and slips inside, the firelight fading behind her.

  “So… is sleeping in tents going to be our thing now?” Liddle whispers, watching Markus stir beside her, still half-asleep.

  She smiles faintly. “Just like with the children—always putting other people’s problems first.”

  Leaning down, she presses a gentle kiss to his forehead. Markus murmurs something unintelligible and, without waking, drapes an arm around her. Liddle blushes softly and nestles closer, resting her head against his chest.

  Her gaze drifts downward. She lifts the edge of his shirt, her breath catching at the sight of the scars crossing his skin—faded reminders of battles he rarely speaks about. She traces one with trembling fingers, her heart tightening.

  “Good night, sweetie,” she whispers, pulling the blanket over them both as the fire outside burns low.

  Outside, the fire burns low, unaware of the battle waiting for morning.