Darkness or light...?

5.

We've been walking through the thick forest for what seems like forever. Up ahead, Rex and Cyria lead the way, while Calix and Rufus follow. Wish and Jude chat as they stroll side by side.

I notice the magical stuff everyone's wearing. Rex's bracelet, Cyria's necklace, and the rings Calix and Rufus wear-they all look special, glowing, and shimmering in the sunlight.

Then there's me, just watching. I've got my own magical thing, a waistband. It might not look like much, but it's got some tricks up its sleeve.

As the moon rises, casting its gentle glow upon the forest, we stumble upon a surreal scene-a mystical clearing with a cascading waterfall beneath a quaint bridge. Rex suggests we make camp here for the night, and everyone readily agrees, finding their own spot to settle down or refresh themselves in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. I join them, splashing cool water on my face to wash away the weariness of the journey.

Cyria's voice breaks the tranquil atmosphere, suggesting we divide tasks since none of us are proficient in magic yet. She suggests we search for food and gather firewood. Rex seconds her idea, emphasizing the need for a fire to keep us warm.

Rufus, ever enthusiastic, volunteers to gather wood along with Jude and Wish, and they scamper off into the woods.

"Alright then," Rufus chirps, his energy seemingly boundless despite our long trek. "So, how about me, Jude, and Wish go to get wood, and you guys can divide the rest?"

Calix nods in agreement, suggesting that he and Rex search for food while Cyria and I set up camp.

Cyria and I nod in agreement, silently acknowledging our roles as we prepare to set up camp for the night.

Cyria sets up one of the tents, mentioning she'll room with Wish. I simply nod, a lingering unease about her still present. Finishing the other tents, I assume the guys will share.

As I start on my own camp, Cyria approaches me hesitantly. "Hey, do you think we can still shower here? I mean, there's a waterfall nearby, so it should be fine, right?" She blushes slightly.

"I think playing in the waterfall would be way better," I reply, chuckling at her embarrassment. "Let's ask the others when they get back," I suggest, completing my tent.

Rufus interrupts, arriving with armfuls of wood. "Ask us what?" he inquires.

"We wanted to play in the waterfall," I respond, taking the lead instead of Cyria. She smiles gratefully at me as a silent thank you.

As we splash and play beneath the moonlit waterfall, the atmosphere is electric with laughter and camaraderie. Yet, as I steal glances at Cyria and Rex, a subtle tension coils in the pit of my stomach.

When their eyes meet in a moment of unspoken connection, a surge of jealousy courses through me. It's a fleeting feeling, irrational and unwelcome, but it lingers nonetheless. I watch as they share their silent exchange, unable to shake the sense of resentment brewing within me.

The rest of our group seems oblivious to the undercurrents swirling between Cyria and Rex, lost in their own joyous revelry. But for me, the moment casts a shadow over the otherwise carefree atmosphere.

As the night wears on, I find myself growing increasingly distant from Rex, unable to shake the irrational sense of betrayal that gnaws at my insides. Each smile and laugh feels forced, each interaction tinged with a bitterness I can't seem to shake.

It's foolish, I know But as we continue to play in the water, I can't help but resent Rex for stirring up these unwanted emotions within me. And as the night comes to an end, I find myself retreating into silence