The snow continued falling around them, quietly covering the ground and the enormous abandoned log. Neither girl immediately followed up with another question. The name alone had been enough to change the mood.
Layla was someone neither of them could simply dismiss.
Cresty stared at Lexel, trying to understand what had happened while they were away.
"When?"
Lexel kept his gaze forward.
"Recently."
Anthierin crossed her arms, clearly unconvinced by the simplicity of his answer. "And what did you say?"
Lexel finally looked at them.
"I haven't given her an answer yet."
The two exchanged a glance.
That answer somehow made the situation even more serious.
Cresty looked back toward Lexel. "And you're considering it?"
Lexel didn't immediately respond.
The snowflake resting on his hair slowly melted.
He remained silent for a few seconds before speaking.
"That's why I wanted to tell you both."
