Chapter 57. True Spirit Forms

Aria, Ares, Garsam, and Ivy paused two hours into their journey. They stopped to find their bearings because Ares told them the goddess wanted to speak to them.

"How did you know?" Aria asked. "Voices in your head?"

Ares froze, then nodded.

Everyone scattered to take a rest. Garsam nimbly climbed a tree. It was getting pretty cold as winter was coming. Aria pulled her coat closer. Before they left the pack, they had gone to her old house. It seemed like someone had gone there, but nothing was missing. They took some clothes and food before leaving.

Ivy sat on the base trunk of a tree. Ares produced a small mat from his backpack and laid it on the ground. He patted it, indicating that Aria should sit down.

On the tree, Garsam scoffed when she saw this. "Tch, the double standards are too blatant."

Ares ignored her, and Aria gingerly sat down, a little embarrassed. "Thanks."

Ares removed a flask and poured out a small cup of hot chocolate. Aria