Chapter 73

The golden hues of the setting sun draped over the treetops of the primeval forest.

Lucy White and her group returned with a bountiful haul, their hands weighed down by heavy catches—over thirty fish gleaming silver under the sunlight.

"Wow! You actually caught this many?" Daniel Miller's eyes widened, the energy bar in his hand suddenly seeming far less appetizing.

Lucy shook the fish in her grasp, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Tonight, you'll have to watch us eat."

Daniel and the others groaned in protest.

Hank Cooper stepped beside Lucy, admiration clear in his eyes. "I didn’t expect you to be so skilled at wilderness survival."

"Flattery won’t get you extra fish," Lucy quipped, placing the fish on a flat stone and deftly beginning to clean them.

Her slender fingers moved with practiced ease, scales falling away like snowflakes. Ethan Smith appeared beside her without a sound, silently offering his combat knife.

"Thanks." Lucy took the blade, her fingertips brushing against his palm for the briefest moment.

Ethan's gaze flickered, the corners of his lips lifting unconsciously.

"How are you planning to cook these?" Hank asked curiously.

Lucy smirked. "Some grilled, some as sashimi. The lemons I picked earlier will come in handy."

"So you planned this all along!" Hank exclaimed in realization.

Lucy winked. "Call it foresight."

She then gathered wild herbs and berries nearby before returning to camp as darkness fully settled.

The crackling campfire cast flickering light over the eager faces of the group.

"Watch closely." Lucy took the knife, her wrist flicking with precision as translucent slices of fish fluttered onto banana leaves like falling snow.

"Damn! That knife work is insane!" Ryan Clark gasped.

Ethan's gaze remained fixed on her focused profile, the firelight softening her features.

"Ethan, want to try?" Lucy picked up a slice of sashimi, dipped it in lemon juice, and held it to his lips.

Ethan paused briefly before leaning in to accept it.

"How is it?" Lucy asked expectantly.

"Sweet and fresh. The best sashimi I’ve ever had," Ethan replied, warmth filling his eyes.

[OMG the feeding game is strong!]

[Ethan's gaze is so tender!]

[This ship has sailed—I'm onboard!]

Meanwhile, Michael Johnson clenched his fists, his expression dark as he glared at the scene.

"Grilled fish is ready!" Jason Wright announced excitedly, rushing over with skewers.

Lucy took one, carefully removing the bones before handing it to Ethan. "Eat it while it's hot."

"What about yours?" Ethan didn’t take it.

"Mine’s almost done," Lucy said, waving her own fish.

Ethan split his portion in half. "We’ll share."

Their eyes met, the firelight casting an intimate glow that made hearts race.

Hank took a bite of his fish and widened his eyes dramatically. "This is incredible! What have I been eating all my life?"

Even Victor Stone, usually reserved, nodded in agreement. "Impressive."

The trainees swarmed in, devouring the fish in moments.

"Hey! Save some for me!" Daniel whined from the outskirts.

Robert Lee patted his shoulder. "Next time, stick close to Lucy."

As the night deepened, the fire dimmed. Ethan subtly shifted closer to Lucy, shielding her from the chilly breeze.

"Cold?" he murmured.

Lucy shook her head—only to sneeze the next second.

Without hesitation, Ethan draped his jacket over her shoulders.

"Thanks." Lucy pulled the warm fabric tighter, the tips of her ears turning pink.

[This is too sweet!]

[Ethan knows all the right moves!]

[Someone call the wedding planner!]

In an unnoticed corner, Michael kicked a stone away with furious force.