Ren's solemn expression cracked. Her eyes widened in surprise, and a genuine smile began to spread across her face—before she caught herself. She crushed the smile instantly, replacing it with a scathing glare as she looked up at the silhouette framed by the moon.
"You sure took your time waking up," Ren rasped, her voice thick with congestion.
Vex grinned down at her, casually scratching his orange fox ear.
"You are very loud for such a small female," he teased, his voice light.
Vex's bright orange eyes shifted past Ren to the corner of the pit. He spotted Viper, who was still aggressively facing the mud wall.
Vex winced, raising a hand to caress a tender, throbbing bump on the back of his head. His eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Blame the stupid snake," Vex spat. "He hit me on the head with a rock."
Ren waved her muddy hand dismissively. "Viper is sorry. He—"
