Chapter 33

Elara's POV

He raised an eyebrow in challenge. "Oh, are you on? Don't underestimate the culinary prowess of a seasoned traveller, Elara."

We spent the next few minutes in a lighthearted debate about our respective cooking skills, the tension from earlier dissipating with each playful jab. Finally, with a comfortable silence settling around us, I felt the question burning a hole in my tongue.

"So," I began cautiously, "tell me about your travels. Where have you been, what have you seen?"

Rufus hesitated for a moment, then leaned back against the wall. "It's been a long journey," he said, his voice thoughtful. "I've travelled across mountains, through scorching deserts, and even spent some time exploring the frozen north."

My eyes widened. "The frozen north? That sounds... harsh."

"It is," he admitted, a flicker of a smile playing on his lips. "But it's also home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes you'll ever see. The aurora borealis, shimmering across the night sky, is a sight