You and Anya had been working non-stop for days, preparing for the clan’s next move against the hostile grounders. Tension hung over the camp like smoke. Everyone was exhausted, but neither of you wanted to stop

By nightfall, the fire pits glowed softly across the camp. Most of the warriors had retired to their tents, leaving the quiet hum of the night to fill the air. You spotted Anya sitting alone on a log near the edge of the camp, sharpening her blade

You approach, careful not to disturb her “Still at it?” you ask, your voice soft

Anya looks up, eyes glinting in the firelight “Always,” she says, but there’s a hint of a smile “The day doesn’t end until the work is done.”

You sit down beside her, letting the silence stretch comfortably between you. After a long moment, you ask “Do you ever… just stop? Even for a little while?”

Anya’s hand hesitates on the blade before she sets it down. She exhales slowly, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly “Not usually. But… maybe I could stop… for a moment.”

The two of you watch the flames dance, words unnecessary. Finally, she turns toward you, her gaze soft but intense “You’ve been here a lot lately. Always watching, always helping. Why?”

You shrug, trying to sound casual, but your heart beats faster than usual “Because… you matter. That’s enough reason, isn’t it?”

Anya studies you, her expression unreadable at first. Then, a small, almost shy smile tugs at her lips“You’re… different,” she admits. “Most people wouldn’t notice the little things. But you… you see me.”