Nik curled up on the hard straw mat and tried to sleep. Her body was exhausted – unfamiliar muscles ached – and yet she couldn’t switch off her mind. Thoughts were buzzing inside her brain, it was almost making her dizzy.

With a sigh she sat up and pushed the tattered blanket away. It was pointless just lying there, she may as well be doing something useful. She crawled out of the tent, careful not to wake the others.

The cool night air was soothing. The sky was brilliant with stars – Nik couldn’t tear her eyes away as she stumbled towards the campfire. It was easy to forget your troubles under a sky like that.

By the fire, Nik found a spot to sit down. Still staring up at the stars, she swept her thick hair off her sticky shoulders and tied a knot. It took a few more minutes for Nik to realise she wasn’t alone…

He caught her by surprise. She stood up quickly. It was the dark-eyed boy, he was perched on a rock, a huge old book in his arms.