The night had grown thick with mist by the time Lucien and Selene found a small clearing to rest.
Selene curled up near the fire, her silver hair gleaming under the moonlight, exhaustion pulling her into a light slumber.
Lucien sat nearby, silent. His golden eyes reflected the flames as memories gnawed at him.
Once, he had trusted the world. He had believed in promises, in loyalty, in the warmth of comradeship. And once, the world had answered with betrayal so deep it had scarred his very soul.
He stared at Selene.
So fragile.
So full of life.
So unaware of the world's cruelty.
Lucien folded his arms, leaning back against a tree.
"Should I leave her?" he murmured to himself, voice low and rough.
The weight of his past and the danger following them both tugged at him.
She would be safer without him. Wouldn't she?
His mind turned over calculations. Risks. Paths. A hundred possible futures danced before his ancient eyes.
Finally, he made a decision.
He would stay with her — just until she reached her father's empire. After that... he would sever the bond. Let her live a normal life, far from the storm he carried.
Lucien closed his eyes, breathing deeply.
The fire crackled softly.
For tonight, there would be no more battles. Only silence, memory, and an uncertain promise.