Too bad she couldn't ride alone yet. Keir insisted on riding with her, while Nathan rode with Alen. They followed a winding path through a maze of towering trees, their leaves whispering in the breeze. It was peaceful here—unexpectedly beautiful.

They arrived at a sprawling training compound nestled between the woods. Keir lifted her down from the horse.

"What do you think, baby Neri?"

She tilted her head. "Hm. It's much bigger than I thought."

She stepped onto the stone training platform, taking in the space.

Alen joined her, carrying two wooden swords. "You've seen a training ground before?"

She nodded. "There was one near where I used to live."

He handed her a sword. "Can you hold this? It's a little heavy."

She accepted it with ease, her small fingers curling around the hilt like it belonged there. Alen blinked in surprise. She had to bite back a grin.

"Come at me, Nerri," Alen said, raising his sword.

"Are you sure?" Her eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief.

"Don’t worry. You won’t hurt me."

Keir chuckled. "Be gentle, Alen."

Nathan clapped and cheered. "Go Nerri!"

She gripped the sword tightly and shut her eyes for a moment. Her teacher’s voice echoed in her memory:

You are young, so people will underestimate you. That gives you an advantage. It is a moment when you can prove them wrong and show them what you're really capable of.

She dropped into position.

"Begin!"

She didn’t move.

She studied Alen. He wouldn’t swing unless she attacked first. She sighed. What was she doing? These were her brothers. She didn’t want to hurt them—not even for fun.

She swung the sword clumsily. He dodged it with ease.

Maybe it was better to keep her skills hidden. There was no need to reveal herself yet. She stumbled and let herself fall to the ground.

"Neri!" her brothers cried, rushing to her side.

She gazed up at the sky, a smile tugging at her lips. I’m safe now. I don’t need to fight for survival anymore.

"Are you okay? Where does it hurt? Should we fetch the doctor?" Their voices were anxious, eyes wide with concern.

She burst out laughing. "That was fun!"

They sighed in unison.

Keir stood, brushing off his trousers. "We should head back. It’s getting late, and those clouds don’t look friendly."

As Keir lifted her back onto the horse, she felt it—that prickling sense. Someone was watching them.

She turned toward the trees. No one was there. But whoever it was, they were skilled.

She shook off the feeling as they rode home.

Back at the estate, stablehands took the horses. Nathan and Alen immediately pulled Neri inside, chattering about dinner.

Keir lingered behind, lost in thought. Her footwork earlier... it had been too refined. The stance, the way her aura shifted—it was the posture of a trained swordsman. When she looked at Alen, there had been a flicker in her eyes. Predator. Strategist.

Had she fallen on purpose? No, she was barely turning seven.

Unless...

Maybe she’d mimicked what she’d seen at the training grounds in the past. Or maybe—he was imagining things.

The rain began to fall that night.

Thunder rolled across the sky, a deep, comforting rumble. Neri lay on her bed, the storm lulling her to sleep.

A thud.

She shot up.

Silently, she arranged the blanket to look like she was still sleeping and crept into hiding. The balcony doors creaked open. A figure stepped inside—small, about her height.

She moved behind him like a shadow and pressed a knife to his throat.

"May I ask what brings you here?"

"W-wait, Nyssa, it’s me!"

She blinked. That voice.

She spun him around and yanked down his mask.

"Koa!?"

He quickly clamped a hand over her mouth. "Shhh! Don’t be so loud—we’ll get caught."

She threw her arms around him. "I thought I’d never see you again."

Koa grinned. "You can’t get rid of me that easily."

"How’d you find me?"

"Asked around. A guy recognized your description. Said if I took him to where you used to live, he’d tell me where you were. We met at the old cabin, and I saw a woman carrying you out. I followed you here."

"You got past the gates?"

He shrugged. "Rode under a carriage."

She laughed softly, but her expression changed. Someone was coming. She gestured for Koa to hide.

Nathan peeked in. "Neri? Are you scared of the thunder? Want me to stay with you? Your big brother can protect you."

She raised a brow. "We’re twins."

"Yeah, but I’m the older one," he said proudly.

She chuckled. "It’s okay. I like the thunder."

He hesitated, glancing away. "Oh. Okay. I’ll leave you then."

She saw the fear in his eyes. Thunder wasn’t her fear—but it was his.

She sighed. "Actually… I’m a little afraid."

He perked up. She held out her hand. "Let’s sleep. Come on."

He climbed in happily and soon fell asleep beside her. Once his breathing evened, she carefully slid out of bed.

"Come out."

Koa crawled out from the closet. "Took you long enough. You’ve softened up."

He sat beside her, eyes drifting to Nathan. "He looks like you. It’s obvious this is your family."

She nodded slowly. "They’re good people. But who knows how long it’ll last."

Koa sighed. "Nyssa, it’s okay to put your guard down. You don’t have to be tough all the time."

She walked to the balcony doors, staring out into the storm.

"We were left on the streets. Master took us in, but even he left. When we couldn’t bear the hunger anymore, I begged my ‘mother’ for food—only to be sold."

Koa’s voice was quiet. "I know, Nyssa. I lived it too. And maybe it’s good Master didn’t take us on that trip. You found your family. You’re safe now. And he never abandoned us completely."

"Has he returned?"

Koa nodded. "Cyr brought me a letter. He wants to meet us."

"I can’t go. Winter’s coming, and I doubt my parents will let me."

Koa gaped. "Since when do you let anyone stop you? You’re his successor. His favorite. He won’t let you go."

She rolled her eyes. "I didn’t say I wouldn’t go. Just tell him he’ll have to wait."

Silence stretched between them. Then:

"Nyssa… will I ever find her? What if she’s forgotten me?"

She stepped forward and hugged him.

"I’m sure she hasn’t. We’ll find her—I promise."

She took his hands in hers. "We’ll find your mother. Together."

Koa pulled her into an embrace. "I really am thankful fo—"

"Let go of my sister!"

Koa hit the floor hard as Nathan tackled him.

Neri blinked.

Well. This just got complicated.