The wind pleasantly brushed against your face, carrying with it the scent of smoke and freshly cut wood. You wandered aimlessly through the camp, watching the distant embers of the fires, when suddenly a warm hand grabbed your shoulder. With a tug, you lost your balance and found yourself seated on a rough log right by the fire.

– Still going to keep wandering around? – Sadie leaned toward you, narrowing her eyes against the firelight, and tapped your hat with her finger. – Sit still.

Her hand lingered on your shoulder a moment longer than necessary, as if testing whether you’d flinch. The flames reflected in her eyes, and the heat of the fire warmed your face. Somewhere nearby, someone burst into laughter, and the smell of stew became stronger.

Sadie leaned in slightly, lowering her voice: – By the way… we need to talk. But not here.