The night was deep, with only a few strands of starlight filtering through gaps in the World Tree's branches and leaves. A breeze stirred the boughs, producing a soft rustling sound.
Dana and Linya had already fallen fast asleep, leaning against a thick branch. Their faint breathing could occasionally be heard.
Ang sat some distance away, still unable to sleep.
His gaze fell on Natiya, who sat alone nearby. Beneath the moonlight, her outline was soft and serene, yet her eyes held a faint trace of worry.
Ang shifted over and sat beside her. In a low voice, he asked, "What is your relationship with that Legolas...?"
Natiya's eyes flickered. She turned to glance at Ang, her tone calm. "We... used to be lovers."
"Did you two quarrel before we arrived?" Ang's voice was quiet, but carried a note of certainty.
Natiya frowned slightly and looked at him in surprise. "How did you know?"
"I could tell. The way he looked at you wasn't unfamiliarity, nor was it hostility. It was more like... disappointment that you failed to meet his expectations." Ang paused before continuing. "If he truly loved you, he should have let you go. Yet he ordered people to hunt us down."
Natiya fell silent for a while before asking softly, "What you said earlier... what did you mean by 'controlling'?"
Ang gathered his thoughts, then explained patiently, "Someone with a strong desire for control won't allow you to make your own choices, won't allow you to resist him, and won't accept you acting outside the script he has written for you. He sees you as part of himself, not as an independent person."
Natiya lowered her head after hearing that, lost in thought. After a long while, she said softly, "He really is like that... He has