The Ytherrian Luminary

The group moved through a dense forest, the rustling leaves overhead casting shifting shadows on the ground. Terra led the way with her confident strides, her bare feet tapping lightly on the soil. As always, her ability to see the world through vibrations gave her an edge, but today, her focus wasn't on the path ahead. Instead, she kept sneaking glances back at Xalin, a sly smirk forming on her face.

"So," Terra began, her tone laced with mischief, "you've been acting a little…different lately."

Xalin glanced at her warily. "What are you talking about?"

Terra stopped abruptly, turning to face him. "Oh, you know. The way your heart starts racing every time Lira's around. It's adorable."

Xalin froze, his markings glowing faintly as his cheeks flushed. "That's not true!" he said, a bit too quickly.

"Uh-huh," Terra replied, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. "I may be blind, but I can feel your heart skipping beats whenever she's close. It's like you're trying to give yourself away."

Kell, who was walking a few paces ahead, overheard and burst out laughing. "Sparky has a crush? This is gold!"

"Can we not make this a thing?" Xalin groaned, burying his face in his hands.

"Oh, it's already a thing," Terra teased, stepping closer to him. "So, when are you going to tell her? Or are you just planning to blush in silence forever?"

Xalin sighed, his shoulders slumping. "It's…complicated, okay? She's been my partner through so much. I can't risk ruining what we have."

Terra softened slightly, her teasing smile turning into something gentler. "Xalin, life's too short to let fear hold you back. You're the Luminary, for crying out loud! If anyone deserves to be honest about how they feel, it's you."

Kell chimed in, clapping Xalin on the shoulder. "Yeah, Sparky. If you can take on ancient fire spirits and creepy shadow beings, you can handle a conversation with Lira."

Xalin's lips twitched into a reluctant smile. "You two are insufferable, you know that?"

"That's why you keep us around," Terra shot back with a wink.

The conversation ended as the group arrived at a clearing, but Terra's words lingered in Xalin's mind. As they set up camp for the night, he found himself stealing glances at Lira, who was busy tending to the fire. Maybe Terra was right. Maybe it was time to stop running from what he was feeling.