Ste frowned, struggling to open her eyes.


    A few feet away, a campfire crackled and glowed, its warmth filling the small cave. Suspended above the mes hung a battered little pot, steam billowing from its bubbling contents.


    Joshua stood with his back to her, stirring the pot with a spoon.


    Ste coughed softly, her voice hoarse. "What are you doing?"<fn3ede> Find the newest release on Find1Novel</fn3ede>


    At the sound of her voice, Joshua turned around.


    "You''re awake, good. Here-try to eat something first."


    She blinked in surprise. "Eat something?"


    Joshuadled a bowl of soup from the pot and brought it over to her.


    Only as he drew closer did Ste realize what it was—a bowl of mushroom soup.


    The earthy aroma drifted through the cave, and even though her body still felt dull and weak, a faint hunger stirred within her.


    She looked from the soup to Joshua, curiosity oveing her. "Mushrooms? Where did you find them?"


    He set the bowl in front of her. The pot and utensils, she noticed, looked well-used -probably leftovers from that abandoned campsite they''d stumbled upon earlier. The pot itself was cracked on one side, but still usable.


    "I picked the mushrooms just outside," Joshua replied.


    Ste suddenly felt a bit foolish for asking. Maybe her fever was making her slow -her head wasn''t working right.


    Joshua rummaged for a clean spoon from a nearby bowl. "You need something hot in your system if you want to get your strength back."


    Wild berries wouldn''t do her any good right now. Judging by her state, she probably couldn''t have kept them down anyway, so Joshua had foraged for mushrooms instead.


    Ste''s gaze lingered on the soup. Though it was little more than clear broth and mushrooms, the fresh, wild scent was surprisingly inviting.


    Joshua noticed her hesitation and guessed at the source of her worry. "Don''t worry—I checked them. None of these are poisonous. You''ll be fine."


    She took the bowl from his hands, wrapping her fingers around its warmth, and took a cautious sip.


    The soup was unexpectedly


    delicious, the mushrooms tender and full of vor Maybe it was just that she hadn''t eaten anything in so long, but even this simple,


    unseasoned soup tasted like a feast.  s


    Joshua had cleaned the mushrooms carefully, trimming away every bit of dirt, even the roots. The bowl and spoon, too-she realized he must have washed them thoroughly before serving her.


    By the time she finished, a gentle warmth had spread through her, clearing the fog in her mind more than she expected.


    Joshua nced at her empty bowl. "Want some more? I can get you another."


    She shook her head. "No, that''s enough."


    She was still sick, after all-her appetite wasn''t likely to be much better.


    Joshua didn''t press her. Instead, he poured himself a bowl and sat down to eat as well.


    Outside, the sky had already begun to darken; another day was slipping away.


    Joshua looked toward the gloom beyond the cave entrance. "Looks like it''ll gain again tonight. I''ll go grab


    some more firewood. Once you''re a


    bit stronger tomorrow get


    out of here."  s


    Sure enough, as midnight crept in, rain began to drum against the rocks outside.


    Ste listened to the steady downpour, watching Joshua as he added more branches to the fire.


    "I can keep watch for a while if you want to get some sleep," she offered.


    Maybe it was all the napping she''d done during the day, but she didn''t feel tired at all. She''d cked out


    Cfter her and keeping them


    looking


    both safe through the night.  s


    Joshua looked up at her, meeting her gaze.