Before Theory could reply, Niro stepped forward, his voice calm but edged with authority, a gesture that seemed to bridge the gap between caution and diplomacy. "We are travelers, and we seek no quarrel with you or any other, Caspian Rafiki. Now, I believe it is customary to return what one has borrowed, is it not?"

Caspian's eyes glittered with amusement. "Borrowed implies intention to return," he quipped. "I was merely ensuring their safety—and yours, of course."

The Incubus, leaning against a tree with an ease that contradicted the tension of the situation, seemed to consider Niro's words, but his eyes held a mischievous glint. "Ah, but I believe I could be of more service to you than just a mere stable hand," he replied smoothly.

Theory remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he watched the exchange. He could feel the press of the forest around them, a reminder that they were not alone in these woods—and Caspian's keen perception was proof enough that their secrets were thinly veiled here.

With a graceful leap, Caspian landed on the ground, his movements betraying a feline agility.

"But do tell, what brings a pair of Shifters to Faltaire? Especially ones dumb enough to traverse these woods at night." He mused aloud, his gaze piercing through their disguises as if they were no more substantial than mist.

Niro shifted uncomfortably, aware that their true purpose could not be revealed. He opted for a half-truth instead. "We seek an Elf in the Aldowen Mountains," he stated with a calm that belied his wariness.

Caspian tilted his head, the corners of his mouth twitching with a barely suppressed smile. "Interesting. Well, I'll graciously return your horses, but the night is long, and the paths of Faltaire are treacherous. Perhaps you could use a guide? Or at the very least, someone to share your watch. Who knows what other creatures you might inadvertently entice."

The offer hung heavily in the air, fraught with implications. Neither Niro nor Theory was naive enough to believe this offer came without strings. However, refusing might provoke a confrontation they were not prepared for, and so with a resigned nod, they accepted.

Caspian nodded as if he had expected nothing less, a sly smile spreading across his face. He gestured for Niro to follow. "Come, let's retrieve your steeds."

As they disappeared into the woods, Theory stayed behind, his grip on his blades unwavering. He was used to the unease that came with their life on the road, but Caspian's ability to discern their nature gnawed at him. They had concealed their identities with great care; how had this Incubus seen through their disguises so easily?

When Niro returned with Caspian, there was laughter echoing between the trees. Theory's grip tightened around the hilt of his dagger. It was a sound so foreign to his ears, especially coming from Niro, that it bordered on surreal.

Caspian's laugh died down as they approached the camp, but his smile remained, now directed at Theory. "It's been a while since I've had such good company," he remarked cheerily.

As the trio settled around the fire, Theory's distrust simmered like the stew they prepared. "How could you tell we were Shifters?" he asked, his voice steady but his eyes sharp with suspicion.

Caspian shrugged nonchalantly. "It's a talent. One learns to recognize the subtle signs after a while."

That answer didn't sit well with Theory. They'd passed by other Shifters before, careful and undetected. Caspian's admission only tightened the coils of mistrust within him.

"You doubt my words?" Caspian said, the amusement clear in his voice as he met Theory's gaze.

"I didn't say that," Theory replied, though his tone was softer than he intended, his glare betraying his true feelings.

Niro watched the exchange silently, an unreadable expression on his face. "Eyes are the windows to the soul, they say," Caspian continued, his own golden eyes twinkling in the firelight. "And yours, my quiet friend, are quite vocal."

The fire crackled, a solitary sound that seemed to underscore the tension that had woven itself into their conversation. Theory's eyes remained locked with Caspian's, searching for a flicker of deceit or malice, but finding nothing but an unnerving calm.

Caspian leaned back, crossing his legs and stretching like a contented cat. "But let's not dwell on such mysteries," he suggested. "We have a night to survive, and I find it's best done with lighter hearts."

Niro gave a nod, signaling a silent agreement to let the matter rest for now. Theory, however, wasn't so easily swayed. His mind raced with questions, suspicions churning like the stew in the pot over the fire. But he held his tongue, knowing that some answers were not to be rushed.

The evening wore on, the fire's glow waning as they shared a meal. Caspian regaled them with tales of Faltaire, of its hidden paths and treacherous beauties. His voice was a melodic distraction that seemed to almost enchant the very air around them. Theory noted how even the forest seemed to listen, the usual nocturnal rustlings and calls hushed as if in attendance to Caspian's storytelling.

After the meal, they settled into an uneasy routine. Caspian offered to take the first watch, and despite their reservations, fatigue won over Theory and Niro. They found places near the dying embers of the fire, the warmth a small comfort against the night's chill.

Theory lay back, his body protesting the day's tensions, yet his mind refused to succumb to sleep. He watched Caspian, a silhouette against the dark forest, his posture relaxed but undoubtedly vigilant. What was this Incubus's endgame? Why the hospitality, the offer of guidance, the stories?

Niro, meanwhile, seemed to have found peace enough to close his eyes, his breathing deep and even. Theory envied him that ability, to shut the world away, if only for a few horas. But for Theory, the questions lingered, festering in the silence that followed Caspian's tales.

When at last Theory's own exhaustion dragged him toward slumber, it was with the resolve that come rising, he would be watching Caspian just as intently as the Incubus watched the night. There was a mystery here, wrapped in charm and casual smiles, and Theory would unravel it.

His gaze didn't waver from the Incubus, whose form was etched in the soft glow of the remaining firelight. Every instinct in him was on high alert, his hand never straying far from the hilt of his dagger, even as he feigned a relaxed posture. He couldn't afford to close his eyes, not even for a moment. The forest was too full of unknowns, and Caspian, the gold-skinned Incubus, was the most unpredictable element.

After what felt like an eternity of silent surveillance, Theory's patience thinned. The silence between them stretched too long, becoming its own provocation.

"You seem quite at ease in these woods," Theory began, his voice low but clear. "You're comfortable in the dark, comfortable with strangers. Why is that?"

Caspian's silhouette turned to face him, and even in the dim light, Theory could sense his smile. "Comfort comes with familiarity," Caspian replied smoothly. "These woods are my home, and as for strangers, well, they are simply friends I haven't met yet."

"That's a naive way to see the world," Theory retorted, a touch of disdain in his tone.

"Is it naive, or is it simply a way to stay open to the world's wonders?" Caspian challenged back, his voice carrying a hint of mirth. "You, on the other hand, seem intent on finding threats in every shadow."

"Being cautious has kept me alive," Theory said flatly.

"There's a fine line between caution and paranoia," Caspian noted. "Tell me, Theory, what are you so afraid of?"

Theory bristled at the question. "I'm not afraid. I'm wary. There's a difference."

Caspian laughed softly, a sound that seemed to blend with the night. "Wary then," he conceded. "But even wariness can blind you to opportunities."

"And what opportunity do you offer?" Theory asked, skepticism clear in his voice.

Caspian's form rose and stepped closer to the fire, casting his features in a warm light. "An alliance," he said simply. "You are looking for safe passage to Aldrid. I know these lands, the creatures that roam them, the hidden paths. Alone, you could wander for weeks, if you even survive that long. With me, your search might end before the next moon."

Theory considered this, his eyes never leaving Caspian's. It was true they needed a guide, but trust was not so easily earned.

"Why should we trust you?" Theory asked pointedly. "For all we know, you could lead us straight into a trap."

Caspian's eyes locked onto Theory's, a serious glint within them. "Because, despite your distrust, I haven't harmed you. And if I wanted you dead, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

The honesty in Caspian's voice was disarming, and for a moment, Theory hesitated, his resolve wavering.

"Let's say I believe you," Theory said, his voice softening but still full of caution. "What do you want in return?"

Caspian sat back down, his gaze lifting to the canopy above. "Nothing but the pleasure of company and the thrill of a good quest. I've grown tired of familiar paths."

There was something about Caspian's demeanor that seemed sincere, or at least, not threatening. Theory's guard dropped a fraction, but not enough to be considered complacent.

"For tonight, we'll accept your offer of watch," Theory said finally, his voice betraying a hint of the fatigue he felt, even though he had no intentions on letting the Incubus actually guard them. He just wanted him to let his guard down. "But come rising, we'll decide if this alliance has any worth."

Caspian nodded, a gesture of acceptance, and turned his gaze back to the woods. "As you wish," he replied, the shadows reclaiming him.

Theory lay back, allowing himself to rest but not to sleep, his senses still tuned to the sounds of the forest, and more specifically, to the steady breathing of the Incubus who might be their salvation—or their doom.

***

The first light of dawn had barely broken through the dense canopy when Theory stirred from his position near the dying embers of the fire. His body ached from the tension of a night spent wide awake, muscles tight with the fatigue of being constantly on edge. Caspian had been true to his word, keeping watch without incident, but that did little to ease Theory's distrust. If anything, the quiet of the night only amplified his suspicion; it was too perfect, too controlled.

With stiff limbs, Theory rose to assist in breaking camp, his movements automatic as he packed away their meager belongings. Despite the early hora, Niro was already up, his figure a solid presence by the stream nearby. Theory took the opportunity to slip away under the pretense of washing up, both for privacy and to observe the other Shifter from a safe distance.

As he approached the stream, the sound of water lapping gently against the bank filled his ears, but his eyes were drawn to the sight of Niro, unaware of being watched. The early rising light played across the contours of Niro's back, muscles shifting under his skin with each movement. Theory's thoughts drifted unbidden to moments of gentleness shared between them, a contrast to the rough exterior Niro often presented. His cheeks warmed with the memory of Niro's calloused hands, the unexpected softness in his touch.

Lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts, Theory didn't notice Caspian's approach until the Incubus's whisper sent a shiver down his spine. "You're not fooling anyone."

He spun around, his heart hammering in his chest, to find Caspian towering over him, too close for comfort. Theory's breath caught, and for a moment, he was lost in the golden depths of Caspian's eyes, as if they held some hypnotic power, momentarily stunned by how tall he is...and how handsome...and close he was.

But the moment was fleeting, and as Caspian stepped back with a self-satisfied grin, Theory exhaled slowly, trying to regain his composure.

"Your heat is coming," Caspian stated, and Theory felt his blood run cold.

How could he know? 

Caspian only looked at him smugly. "I don't think he'd be opposed to helping you out."

Theory's thoughts raced as he leaned in, taking a deliberate sniff. "Again."

Panic flared within Theory. If the Incubus could sense the impending change, then the tinctures they had been relying on were failing.

"The tonics should be working," Theory muttered, more to himself than to Caspian.

Caspian just shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Sometimes nature has a way of asserting itself, despite our best efforts."

Theory's mind raced with the implications. If Caspian could sense the shift in his body chemistry, then he was more perceptive—and perhaps more dangerous—than Theory had initially believed. It also meant that Niro, who was still busily splashing water on his face, oblivious to their conversation, would soon be able to tell as well.

"Mention a word of it and I'll slit your throat, demon," Theory snarled. Caspian rose a red brow at him, not losing his smile. Though he didn't utter any words, the silence was enough. Theory couldn't tell if his threat sank in or not before their attention was snatched by the splashing in the stream.

As Niro finally turned, catching sight of them and straightening up, Theory was painfully aware of how vulnerable they had become. He nodded to Niro, a silent signal that it was time to leave. He avoided meeting the Incubus's eyes again, his mind already turning over their new problem.

They needed to move quickly, before Theory's condition became a liability. But now, with Caspian's knowing eyes on him, the journey felt more treacherous than ever.