Mark slowly stroked Zilu's back while she buried her face further into his neck, as if she wanted to stay there forever.
But the silence inside the tent didn't last long, as faint footsteps were heard.
"Huh?"
Mark heard the footsteps getting closer and closer, and Zilu heard them too, her ears shot straight up and her body tensed against Mark's.
"Master…?" Zilu whispered without lifting her face from his neck.
"Shh," Mark said, placing one of his fingers on her lips.
The footsteps finally stopped right at the tent entrance.
"Good morning, Master!" Aria's voice came from outside in her cheerful tone. "Sorry to bother you so early, but I heard a strange noise a little while ago and wanted to make sure you were okay."
Mark and Zilu stayed silent, hoping Aria would decide to leave when she got no answer, but unfortunately that didn't happen.
"Master? Are you awake?" Aria insisted. "I'm going to open it, okay?"
