The night breeze dispersed the clamor in the square. Lorne casually tossed aside his empty wine bowl and headed toward the forest.
"Sir, where are you going?"
Kuina's voice came from behind him, tinged with confusion.
Lorne did not turn around. He merely waved a hand.
"Just taking a walk to clear my head. You all carry on."
Kuina watched Lorne's figure disappear into the darkness. Tightening her grip on Wado Ichimonji at her waist, she wanted to follow him.
"Kuina, you don't need to worry about him."
Ryan sat nearby, a wine cup in his hand.
"Don't you know how strong the commander is?"
"No one on this island can hurt him."
Bakel chimed in with his rumbling voice.
"Exactly. The commander probably just wants some peace and quiet on his own. Let's drink."
"Look, that porcupine's provoking me again!"
Kuina turned to look and saw a Mink Tribe warrior with a porcupine's head baring his teeth at Bakel, the quills covering his body trembling slightly.
"Hahaha, Bakel, are you scared of my quills?"
The porcupine warrior laughed, raised a bowl of wine, and drained it in one gulp.
Bakel slapped the table and stood up.
"Scared?"
"My Iron Body can break even a Sea King's teeth. Why would I be scared of those few bristles of yours?"
"Come on, another bowl!"
Kuina sighed, drew back the foot she had stepped forward with, and sat back down.
Yet beside the lively bonfire, a pair of bright red rabbit ears twitched slightly.
Carrot watched the direction Lorne had gone, curiosity gleaming in her large eyes.
While no one was paying attention, she crouched down and quietly slipped into the dark forest.
The forest was dim, with only faint moonlight filtering through gaps in the leaves and casting dappled shadows on