I still can't believe he's thousands of years old and he's more sheltered than me—and even more alone.

"There are better things out there," he muses, his gaze lingering on me.

I give him an awkward smile as I redirect my attention ahead of me. But since I can't stop myself from talking, I end up recounting to him another one of my favorite romance novels as we walk farther into the forest.

We fall into a comfortable routine. Walking for a few hours before taking a short break and resuming our journey. All the while, Ze continues to ask me to tell him more and more stories, listening attentively to every detail. Who would have thought that Mr. Warrior would be so invested in romance novels? There isn't a quiet moment, and as it gets dark once more, my throat becomes sore from talking too much.

"How much longer do we have?" I ask a while later, tired and out of breath. My muscles have started to ache again. God, what I wouldn't give for a hot, steamy bath to soak in right now. But it's a luxury I don't know when I'll be able to afford again.

I let out a weary sigh as I prop myself against a tree trunk.

"By my calculations, we should be close to the area where that plant grows," he replies as he studies our surroundings.

"What does it look like again?"

"We will not miss it. It has a flower with white petals and a black pistil. The stem is a light green, but if broken, it oozes a black liquid and the inner tissue is a dark blue."

"That is...very specific."

"Finding the plant itself was never the hard part."

"How do you think Thea and Cer are doing? They need to find two plants."

"That are just as easy to find. Do not worry about them, human. Cerenios is my most skilled warrior. He will not let anything happen to Erithea."

Now that is high praise coming from someone like Ze.

"But who will protect her from him?" I joke. "I've never seen two siblings fight the way those two do."

Ze's lips flatten.

"They are indeed...unusual."

"Thea mentioned you've known each other for a long time?" I probe, curious about their acquaintance—especially after her warning.

He frowns.

"She said you used to go to her house when she was younger," I add.

"Rubbish," he huffs aloud. "I have only ever been to her home on official visits. I do not simply go to people's houses."

"But you're friends?" I ask tentatively.

"I am her brother's superior. Nothing more, nothing less."

Why is this so complicated? Thea tells me they're friends but that I should be careful with him. Now he's saying they are not friends. Just what the hell is going on?

"What about Cer?"

"He is"—he pauses—"agreeable."