She's the Prince

Chapter 58

Almost Change

The night was colder than Ares had anticipated. The wind howled through the trees, its biting chill seeping through their clothes despite the crackling campfire. Sebastian, ever resourceful, conjured a shield of warmth around the camp, yet it felt like a temporary balm against the oppressive cold.

Ares glanced over at Callan, who sat some distance away from him, his back turned slightly, absorbed in his meal. A subtle tension had settled between them since the hunt. Callan had been quiet since their return. No look at Ares. It was like an invisible wall had risen, casting an uncomfortable silence between them.

Ares could feel it deep in his chest—a tightness, a weight. He couldn't stand it.

With a groan, Ares rose and grabbed some roast venison. His steps were slow and deliberate, but the ache in his heart made them feel heavier than they were. He approached Callan, but the other man didn't acknowledge him. Not even a flicker of recognition.

"Here," Ares said softly, offering him the meat. The crackling fire seemed to swallow his words, but he hoped Callan would hear them.

Callan blinked, lifting his gaze slowly, surprised. "What?"

Ares tried to keep his voice even, but it came out with a soft edge of frustration. "Did you think I wouldn't notice? You've been avoiding me."

Callan's eyes shifted to the ground. "I'm not avoiding you," he muttered, but it sounded hollow like he was trying to convince himself more than Ares.

Ares arched an eyebrow, the hurt he felt leaking into his words. "Really? You're across the camp, not talking or looking at me."

Callan stiffened, his jaw tightening as he averted his gaze again. "I'm just... tired," he said, the words feeling rehearsed, but he didn't elaborate.

Ares wasn't convinced. He stepped closer, unable to mask the frustration any longer. "Callan, talk to me. What's going on?"

Before Callan could respond, Sebastian—ever the peaceful one—interjected, handing Ares a small container. "Hot chocolate," he said with a warm smile.

Ares took it gratefully, feeling a flicker of normalcy in the exchange, but the tension between him and Callan was still palpable. He muttered a thank you, trying to push aside the knot forming in his stomach. He didn't like this. The quiet and frigid remoteness.

Callan's voice broke through the stillness, abrupt and terse. "I'm going for a walk."

Ares blinked, his pulse quickening. "It's about to rain."

"I'll be fine," Callan said, already turning toward the trees, his words sharp as he brushed off the concern.

Sebastian shot Ares a worried glance as Callan's figure disappeared into the darkness. Ares couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over him. Something was wrong.

"I think he hates me," Ares muttered, his voice barely audible, more to himself than to Sebastian.

Sebastian paused mid-bite, confusion flickering in his eyes. "Why would he be mad at you?"

Ares let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't know. After the hunt, he... changed. He's been distant."

Sebastian shrugged, dismissing the worry with a casual wave. "He's probably just tired, Ares. Don't worry about it."

But Ares wasn't reassured. He stared into the flames, their warmth doing little to thaw the icy feeling gnawing at his chest. He had to fix this. He couldn't let it stay like this.