Chapter 42 Esmeralda's Pov

• “It was about time we moved anyway.” Arydyn grumbled under his breath as he collapsed, exhausted. He looked every bit the old man he was, and I was pained by how much he seemed to have aged by this one ordeal. Guilt pangs at my chest again.
• “We leave in an hour.” Ocean announced firmly before drawing out a crate and bringing out dried beef, which they munched on fiercely. It was surprising how they seemed to have the place stocked up. When they offered, I declined eating any despite how my stomach rumbled, and Ryker was at it again, forcing me to take a bite.
• I sighed and took the offered piece of dried beef from him, even when my appetite was almost nonexistent. "Fine," I muttered, earning a satisfied grunt from him. The salty flavour of the beef barely registered as my mind raced with guilt and exhaustion.