As the flames grew, Medusa skewered the shark meat on sharpened sticks, propping them over the fire. The scent of roasting flesh filled the cave, rich and savory, mingling with the warm air.
The white-haired beauty returned to his side, sitting cross-legged, her gaze softening as she watched the flames dance. ''We've earned this,'' she said quietly. ''A moment to breathe before we face the surface again.''
Atlas nodded, his eyes on the fire, the crackle of burning wood, and the sizzle of the Blood Shark's meat grounding him in this fleeting peace. Outside, the Empire's hunters were still searching for them.
Following that, the two of them waited for a while and started eating when the older woman said the food was ready. As he did that, he looked at the water and noticed several strong monsters outside.
