THE SECRET

Alina's gaze followed Aleksander's, her expression quizzical. "What are you looking at? Is someone there?" she inquired politely, her eyes meeting Aleksander's.

"It's nothing," Aleksander replied, his focus shifting back to Alina, but his senses remained on high alert, waiting to pounce at the slightest sound.

Ellaine slowly emerged from the bushes, her hand pressed to her heart, relief washing over her face like a calming wave.

She let out a deep sigh, her voice barely audible, "Thank the goddess they didn't see me. What would I have done?" She spoke to herself, her voice trembling with anxiety. "From now on, I'll focus on their body language, not try to eavesdrop."

But her resolve lasted only two minutes, her curiosity getting the better of her as she craned her neck forward, frustration etched on her face. "What are they saying?" she groaned, her teeth sucking in annoyance.

Meanwhile, back at Alina and Aleksander's clearing, the tension began to dissipate as Aleksander spoke up.