“I heard something.” She pulled him behind a tree next to her, so focused on listening she probably didn’t realize she was still holding his hand.

Their bodies were pressed close together. The scent of her damp hair made him a little dizzy. After a minute passed, he shifted his weight off his bad leg. When Leelo pressed her hand to his chest to still him, he was sure she’d be able to feel his heart hammering beneath it.

Something moved in the undergrowth, this time loud enough for Jaren to hear. His stomach twisted when he remembered how precarious his situation was. If someone found him, they would kill him, and Leelo would be exiled. He held his breath and closed his eyes.

And opened them at the sound of Leelo laughing.

A porcupine waddled past them, oblivious to their terror.

“Saints,” Jaren breathed. “I thought we’d been caught for sure.”

“So did I.” Leelo seemed to realize she was not only holding Jaren’s hand but also had her other hand pressed to his chest and stepped quickly aside. “Sorry.”

He mumbled something that was supposed to be “no apology necessary” but came out as utter nonsense. Fortunately, she was moving again and didn’t seem to notice.

They stopped outside the cottage. Jaren had hoped she might come in, but the sun was setting now. She bent down and took up the full basket of berries she’d picked earlier.

“You’re all dry now, at least,” he said.

“Thank goodness. Oh, I almost forgot.” She lifted the cloth inside the basket and poked around underneath, removing a little parcel. “It’s not much, but it should last you until I can bring more food again.”

“Thank you. For everything.”

She nodded and glanced over her shoulder. He could tell she needed to go, but something was stopping her.

“What is it?” he asked.

“I was wondering if you’d teach me that song. The one you sang before.”

Jaren laughed in surprise. “The lullaby? Are you sure? It’s only a silly nursery rhyme.”

“Right. Of course. I just—”

Why was he arguing with her when what he wanted was for her to stay as long as possible? Before he could overthink it, he held out his hand.

She only hesitated a moment before taking it, and he led her over to the stump he’d used as a seat before. She sat down next to him, placing the basket near her feet but not letting go of his hand. He wondered if she knew how beautiful she was, or if she was truly as unaware as she seemed.

He sang the song for her three times, and on the last time, she joined him. He didn’t think she meant to do it. Her eyes were closed, and she sang so softly that the words drifted over his skin like snowflakes, chilling him.