I sat there, listening to them chat nonstop. It was a very dark night, and just two small lamps, like fireflies, were lit dimly out of dread of being found. It was so dark that there was no way to see far ahead!

However, I was aware that I was surrounded by our people.

After a while, Atlas walked towards me and reached out his hand. "We need to get closer. Can you still walk?"

"I can!" I insisted.

I grabbed his hand and stood up with his support. He hugged me and said, "You've worked hard!"

I leaned my forehead against Atlas’s chin and then strode forward.

I should be thanking everyone here. They had been here day and night for a long time, walked this path countless times, for my father's sake. What right did I have to whine? What right did I have to pity myself?

However, it was physically taxing for me—I had never done a hike like that before.

Atlas always mentioned that I needed to exercise more after our intimate moments. I used to refute him resentfully, but now I admit I