Echoes of Enchantment

Chapter 3: The First Spark of Jealousy

The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a soft golden light over the rolling hills and the winding river that snaked through the valley below. It had been a long day of travel for the group, and Shadowheart's muscles ached from the strain of the journey. Yet, despite her physical exhaustion, her mind remained sharp, focused, and alert—as it always was when they made camp in unfamiliar territory.

Fiona had been uncharacteristically quiet that day, staying near Gale as they walked. She often glanced back toward Shadowheart, offering her the occasional smile. But something felt different. It was as though a barrier had formed between them, something unseen but undeniable. And Shadowheart couldn't help but feel that it had something to do with Gale.

Ever since that night by the fire, Gale had become more present in Fiona's life. His attentions were subtle but unmistakable—he lingered near her during their travels, offering to help with her pack, or striking up conversations about magic and the mysteries of the weave. Fiona, ever kind and gracious, accepted his company easily, never once seeming to question his motives. But Shadowheart did.

As they set up camp by the riverbank that evening, Shadowheart found herself watching the pair with increasing irritation. Gale was helping Fiona unpack her bedroll, his voice low as he spoke to her about a particularly complex spell they had encountered earlier that day. Fiona listened intently, her tail swishing behind her as she nodded along with his explanations.

Shadowheart's fingers twitched at her side, her grip tightening on the edge of her cloak. There was nothing inherently wrong with the scene before her—two companions bonding over shared interests. And yet, it grated on her. It made her feel like she was on the outside looking in, like she was losing something that she hadn't even fully claimed.

"Shadowheart?"

The voice that broke her from her thoughts was Lae'zel's, the githyanki warrior standing a few paces behind her. Lae'zel's sharp eyes scanned the camp before flicking back to Shadowheart with a knowing look.

"You have been staring," Lae'zel said bluntly, crossing her arms over her chest. "If you have something to say to Gale, say it. It will be more effective than brooding."

Shadowheart bristled at the comment, her eyes narrowing as she turned to face Lae'zel fully. "I'm not brooding," she snapped, though the lie was obvious even to herself.

Lae'zel raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by the response. "You watch them like a predator watches its prey. Do you plan to attack? Or are you content to stand by and seethe?"

"I'm not seething," Shadowheart said through gritted teeth, though her gaze once again drifted toward Fiona and Gale. The tiefling was laughing now, a soft, melodic sound that sent a pang through Shadowheart's chest.

Lae'zel followed her gaze, her expression unreadable. "You desire her."

The statement was blunt, delivered with all the tact of a githyanki warrior. But Lae'zel's words struck a chord deep within Shadowheart, one that she had been trying to ignore for days.

Shadowheart turned away from the scene by the riverbank, her cloak billowing slightly as she moved. "It's none of your concern," she muttered, though the weight of Lae'zel's observation hung heavily in the air between them.

"Perhaps not," Lae'zel said, her tone almost contemplative. "But I can see the battle you are waging. It is one I know well."

Shadowheart's steps faltered slightly, and she turned to glance at Lae'zel, curiosity flickering in her eyes. Lae'zel was many things—fierce, relentless, and brutally honest—but she was not one for idle chatter. If she was speaking of personal battles, it meant something more.