Chapter 73

The golden hues of the setting sun draped over the treetops of the primeval forest.

Aria Bennett and her group returned with a bountiful haul, their hands weighed down by heavy catches—over thirty fish gleaming silver under the sunlight.

"Wow! You actually caught this many?" Jonah Pierce's eyes widened, the energy bar in his hand suddenly seeming far less appetizing.

Aria shook the fish in her grasp, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Tonight, you'll have to watch us eat."

Jonah and the others groaned in protest.

Cole Turner stepped beside Aria, admiration clear in his eyes. "I didn’t expect you to be so skilled at wilderness survival."

"Flattery won’t get you extra fish," Aria quipped, placing the fish on a flat stone and deftly beginning to clean them.

Her slender fingers moved with practiced ease, scales falling away like snowflakes. Damian Cross appeared beside her without a sound, silently offering his combat knife.

"Thanks." Aria took the blade, her fingertips brushing against his palm for the briefest moment.

Damian's gaze flickered, the corners of his lips lifting unconsciously.

"How are you planning to cook these?" Cole asked curiously.

Aria smirked. "Some grilled, some as sashimi. The lemons I picked earlier will come in handy."

"So you planned this all along!" Cole exclaimed in realization.

Aria winked. "Call it foresight."

She then gathered wild herbs and berries nearby before returning to camp as darkness fully settled.

The crackling campfire cast flickering light over the eager faces of the group.

"Watch closely." Aria took the knife, her wrist flicking with precision as translucent slices of fish fluttered onto banana leaves like falling snow.

"Damn! That knife work is insane!" Kieran Doyle gasped.

Damian's gaze remained fixed on her focused profile, the firelight softening her features.

"Damian, want to try?" Aria picked up a slice of sashimi, dipped it in lemon juice, and held it to his lips.

Damian paused briefly before leaning in to accept it.

"How is it?" Aria asked expectantly.

"Sweet and fresh. The best sashimi I’ve ever had," Damian replied, warmth filling his eyes.

[OMG the feeding game is strong!]

[Damian's gaze is so tender!]

[This ship has sailed—I'm onboard!]

Meanwhile, Nolan Reed clenched his fists, his expression dark as he glared at the scene.

"Grilled fish is ready!" Mason Bell announced excitedly, rushing over with skewers.

Aria took one, carefully removing the bones before handing it to Damian. "Eat it while it's hot."

"What about yours?" Damian didn’t take it.

"Mine’s almost done," Aria said, waving her own fish.

Damian split his portion in half. "We’ll share."

Their eyes met, the firelight casting an intimate glow that made hearts race.

Cole took a bite of his fish and widened his eyes dramatically. "This is incredible! What have I been eating all my life?"

Even Tobias Kane, usually reserved, nodded in agreement. "Impressive."

The trainees swarmed in, devouring the fish in moments.

"Hey! Save some for me!" Jonah whined from the outskirts.

Caleb Monroe patted his shoulder. "Next time, stick close to Aria."

As the night deepened, the fire dimmed. Damian subtly shifted closer to Aria, shielding her from the chilly breeze.

"Cold?" he murmured.

Aria shook her head—only to sneeze the next second.

Without hesitation, Damian draped his jacket over her shoulders.

"Thanks." Aria pulled the warm fabric tighter, the tips of her ears turning pink.

[This is too sweet!]

[Damian knows all the right moves!]

[Someone call the wedding planner!]

In an unnoticed corner, Nolan kicked a stone away with furious force.