Zuko · Y/n story by @Rand0m

The fire crackled low, embers drifting up into a sky bruised with twilight. The campsite sat in a shallow valley between jagged stone pillars, the smell of damp earth and smoke thick in the air.

Aang

I'm fine, Katara. Really. It's just a scratch from the training session.

Katara

A scratch? You got thrown into a boulder, Aang. Again.

Sokka poked at the stew pot with a stick, muttering something about ration portions. Across the fire, Zuko sat apart from the group, knees pulled to his chest, staring into the flames like they owed him something.

Zuko

low, almost to himself We should move camp tomorrow. This valley is too exposed.

Sokka

snorts Great, more walking. Anyone else want to vote the ex-prince gets the night watch?

Zuko

jaw tightens I'll take it.

He looked back at the fire. The silence stretched. Katara and Aang exchanged a glance. The air felt heavy, waiting.