The next month at Duskbrook passes by smoothly. Brycen and the other Paladins, under Aaron's leadership, spend their days finishing the setup of defenses around the town and continuing to train the local militia. It’s exhausting work but rewarding, knowing that they’re leaving the town better protected than it had been when they first arrived.

Two Paladins are commanded to stay behind in Duskbrook to oversee the ongoing training and monitor the area for any further signs of attack. Meanwhile, two more are sent to Stonehollow and two to Briarcliff, other neighboring towns along the border with Myrvallis, to bolster their defenses. Both towns, much like Duskbrook, are crucial to maintaining a watch over the unpredictable neighboring kingdom.

Finally, the remaining group of four receive their orders to return home. The message brings a mix of relief and melancholy. They've been stationed in Duskbrook for long enough that leaving feels like turning the page on a chapter they hadn’t realized they'd become attached to.

Brycen especially feels the weight of the moment, knowing that when he returns to Aerenthal, he will be farther away from Kaylin, unable to make easy visits.

“You ready for the ride back?” Lyra asks as they saddle up early in the morning for the journey ahead.

Brycen gives her a nod, feeling a bittersweet pang in his chest. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Soren pats him on the back. “Long couple of months, huh? I’d say we all deserve a good long rest.”

Brycen chuckles. “You’re not wrong.”

Aaron takes the lead, his typical stern expression more relaxed than usual. Despite everything, Brycen knows that his commanding officer is just as eager to get back to Aerenthal as the rest of them. With a final glance over Duskbrook, the group sets off, leaving the town behind with its newly secured walls and freshly trained militia.

"Do we want to stop at Greystone on our way back?" Soren suggests, and Brycen could kiss his friend. If he had made the suggestion, Aaron would have turned him down immediately.

Aaron, predictably, huffs in annoyance. “We should head straight to Aerenthal. It’s a long enough ride without stopping for sightseeing,” the commander says, voice sharp and disapproving.

“Come on, Commander,” Lyra says, her tone light but persuasive. “It’s a four-day ride back to Aerenthal, and Greystone is on the way. We’ll already be stopping at Silverbrook and Oakshade for resupplies. A night in Greystone won’t hurt.”

“Fine,” Aaron finally mutters in reluctant defeat. “But one night. We rest, resupply, and then we ride for Aerenthal without delay.”

Soren gives Brycen a subtle wink, clearly satisfied with the outcome, and Lyra smiles, pleased with herself.

“One night in Greystone it is,” Soren echoes, giving a mock bow in the saddle.

As they ride on, Brycen’s heart starts to race with the thought of seeing Kaylin again. It’s been too long. The thought of Kaylin’s face lighting up at the sight of him gives him a warm, fluttery feeling in his chest.  Brycen tries to keep his cool, not wanting to tip Aaron off to just how eager he is for this stop. The man’s mood is always sour at the end of missions, but Brycen isn’t about to let that dampen his own spirits.

They arrive in Greystone just past mid-day, and head straight to the small inn in the village and get two rooms. 

"Now's your chance to sneak out," Soren whispers as they set their gear in the trunks at the foot of the beds. 

Brycen doesn't argue, heading out quickly without even removing his armor. He heads towards the stalls, and is pleased to see his partner running his stall as usual. The omega is distracted grinding herbs using his mortar and pestle when Brycen walks up. 

"May I buy a potion to ease weariness?" he asks with a smile. Kaylin's head shoots up, their eyes wide with surprise. They nearly knock over their table in their eagerness to jump into Brycen's arms, holding him tightly. Brycen squeezes them tightly back.  Kaylin’s arms wrap around Brycen so tightly that for a moment, he forgets the weariness of the road. The familiar scent of herbs and earth surrounds him, and Brycen feels a wave of warmth flood his chest. He hadn't realized just how much he missed this- missed them- until they were back in his arms.

"I wasn’t expecting to see you," Kaylin murmurs into his chest, their voice muffled but filled with delight. "What are you doing here?"

Brycen leans back slightly, enough to look into Kaylin's amethyst eyes, which are wide and filled with surprise. "We’re passing through on our way back to Aerenthal. It’s only for a night, but I couldn’t come to Greystone without seeing you."

Kaylin beams at him, their smile soft but radiant, and Brycen can’t help but smile back. The Omega looks like they’ve been busy, with dirt smudged on their cheeks and their hands still lightly dusted with herbs from the grinding. There’s something endearing about it, something that makes Brycen’s heart skip a beat.

"I’m glad you did," Kaylin says softly. "It feels like it’s been ages."

Brycen nods, still holding onto them like they might disappear if he let go. "It does. Too long."

They both stand there for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms, neither one willing to break the embrace. The busy market square of Greystone bustles around them, but it feels like they’re in a world of their own. Brycen can hear the sounds of the village, the clatter of horse hooves, the murmur of voices, but it’s all distant compared to the sound of Kaylin’s heartbeat, steady and calming.

Eventually, Kaylin pulls back just enough to look at Brycen properly, their hands sliding down his arms, fingers brushing over his armored gauntlets. "You’re still in your armor," they tease lightly, their voice gentle.

Brycen laughs. "I might’ve been a bit eager to see you," he admits, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. "Didn’t want to waste time taking it off."

Kaylin chuckles softly, shaking their head. "Of course you were."

There’s a moment of quiet between them, a comfortable silence. Kaylin’s hand rests on his chest, just over his heart, their fingers curling slightly around the edge of his breastplate.

"We’re heading out in the morning, but I was hoping..." He hesitates, not wanting to seem too forward. "I was hoping we could spend some time together while I’m here."

Kaylin’s smile widens, and they nod quickly. "Of course! I was just about to close up the stall for the day anyway."

"You don’t have to do that for me," Brycen says, though a part of him secretly loves the idea of having more time alone with them.

"It’s fine. I’d rather spend the evening with you," Kaylin says with a wink. They begin packing up the small jars of herbs and potions on their table, moving quickly to finish their tasks. "Besides, it’s been a quiet day. No one else has come by looking for potions to ease weariness."

Brycen chuckles, the tension from his journey melting away as he watches Kaylin tidy up. Once everything is packed, Kaylin grabs their satchel and slings it over their shoulder, giving Brycen one last smile before reaching out to take his hand.

"Let’s go," they say softly.

Hand in hand, they walk away from the bustling square, the world around them fading into the background as they make their way toward the edge of the village, where the path leads toward Kaylin’s cottage. Brycen feels the familiar peace settle over him, just being near them, and he squeezes Kaylin’s hand as they walk in comfortable silence.

The sun is beginning to dip low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the village and the fields beyond. It feels like a perfect moment- quiet, peaceful, with nothing pressing but the warmth of their hands entwined and the sound of their footsteps on the dirt road.

As they near the cottage, Kaylin glances over at him with a mischievous glint in their eyes. "So, did you really want that potion for weariness, or were you just using that as an excuse to see me?"

Brycen grins, his heart light. "Maybe both," he teases, bumping their shoulder with his.

Kaylin chuckles, their laugh soft and melodic. "Well, if it’s weariness you need to ease, I’ve got just the thing at home."

"I was hoping you’d say that," Brycen says, his voice low and warm. He gives Kaylin’s hand another gentle squeeze, grateful for this moment, for them.

In the quiet of the approaching evening, with the warmth of Kaylin by his side, everything feels right in the world.

Brycen and Kaylin had just settled into the warm comfort of the cottage, the scent of herbs and wood smoke filling the air, when the heavy thud of footsteps reverberate from outside. A sharp knock echoes, shaking the peaceful silence.

"Kaylin!" Aaron’s booming voice came through the door, filled with barely-contained fury. "Are you in there? Open the door!"

Kaylin stiffens, their body going rigid as they exchange a nervous glance with Brycen. Brycen’s face hardens, sensing the storm that is about to hit. He moves to stand, his hand already reaching for his sword belt out of instinct, but Kaylin grabs his arm and shakes their head.

Before either of them can respond, the door swings open violently, banging against the wall, rattling the jars on the shelves. Aaron stands in the doorway, his eyes blazing and rimmed with red, chest heaving with anger. His Alpha scent fills the small space immediately- overwhelming, suffocating- and Kaylin shrinks back slightly. Brycen moves in front of them protectively.

"You think I wouldn’t notice you sneaking away? And where do I find you? Here?"

Brycen straightens his back, meeting Aaron’s furious gaze without flinching. "I’m here because I want to be here, Aaron," he says firmly. "I came to see Kaylin, and it’s none of your business where I go on my time off."

Aaron scoffs, stepping further into the room, his towering presence filling the space. "You’re here because you can’t resist meddling where you don’t belong. This isn’t some break, Brycen. You’re compromising your duty, and you’re putting Kaylin at risk."

"I’m not putting them at risk," Brycen counters his voice low and dangerous. "I’d never put Kaylin in harm’s way."

"You don’t get to make that call," Aaron snaps. "You’re supposed to be a Paladin. Your first responsibility is to your duty, not...whatever this is." He waves his hand between them in disgust. "And what happens when you have to leave again? When the job calls?"

Kaylin leans from behind Brycen to face their brother, "Aaron-"

"This doesn’t concern you, Kaylin," Aaron barks, cutting them off. "This is about him." He points accusingly at Brycen. "I trust you as a comrade, Brycen, but I can’t trust you with my sibling. You’ll end up leaving them, just like everyone else."

Brycen’s blood boils at Aaron’s accusation. His jaw clenches, and he takes a step forward, his hand instinctively moving to Kaylin’s, squeezing it for reassurance. "I won’t leave them," Brycen growls. "I’m not like any others, Aaron. Kaylin is my friend, my-"

"I don’t care what you think Kaylin is to you," Aaron snaps, his Alpha aura intensifying as he steps closer, challenging Brycen directly. "You’re a distraction and a liability. And I’m not leaving this cottage without you."

Brycen narrows his eyes. "You are the one who’s making things worse, Aaron," he bites out, his voice dangerously calm. "Kaylin isn’t a child you can control. They don’t need you to make decisions for them."

Aaron’s Alpha instincts kick into overdrive. His eyes flash fully red with rage. "I am their Alpha!" he barks, his voice dropping into the primal command of an Alpha ordering submission.

Kaylin whimpers involuntarily, shrinking back at the weight of Aaron’s Alpha Voice. Their head dips in reflexive submission, their eyes cast downward as they fight against the overwhelming force of Aaron’s presence. Brycen’s blood goes cold with fury.

"How dare you use that voice on Kaylin!" Brycen snarls, his own Alpha energy rising to the surface. His body shakes with barely-contained anger as he steps directly in front of Kaylin once again, shielding them from Aaron’s oppressive aura.

Aaron’s eyes blaze, his fists balling up tighter. "Kaylin doesn’t know what’s good for them," he snaps. "You’re not the first Alpha to come along, Brycen. They’ll end up broken again. And I won’t let that happen."

Before either could react, Aaron lunges forward, grabbing Brycen by the collar and yanking him toward the door. The move is sudden, but Brycen is faster. He twists, breaking Aaron’s hold, and shoves him backward.

"I’m not going anywhere," Brycen growled, his voice low and filled with warning.  "Not unless Kaylin wants me to leave.

Aaron’s chest heaves as he regains his balance, his eyes flashing with violent intent. He squares up, ready for a fight. "Fine. Let’s see how you handle a real fight."

Brycen doesn’t back down. He steps forward, his body tense, every instinct screaming to protect Kaylin. "I’m not fighting you, Aaron. This is ridiculous."

"You don’t have a choice," Aaron snarls, his voice filled with Alpha dominance.

Kaylin’s heart pounds in their chest as they watch the two Alphas squaring off. They feel like they're drowning in the overwhelming pressure of their combined pheromones, the tension thick and suffocating.

"Stop it!" Kaylin’s voice cracks through the room, louder than they’ve ever spoken. "Both of you, stop!"

Both Brycen and Aaron freeze, their heads snapping toward Kaylin.  This is the first time either of them have heard Kaylin use their Omega Voice.

Kaylin’s voice shakes, but they stand firm. "I’m not going to let either of you tear each other apart because of me. Aaron, you need to leave. Now."

Aaron’s mouth opens in protest, but Kaylin holds up a hand. "No. Listen to me. I’m not a child, and I’m not some helpless Omega that needs you to control their life.  You don’t get to decide who I see or where I go."

Aaron stares at Kaylin, disbelief and frustration written all over his face. But slowly, his shoulders sag. "Kaylin, I’m just trying to-"

"-I know," Kaylin interrupts softly. "I know you’re trying to protect me. But you can’t protect me from everything. You have to trust me to make my own choices."

Aaron’s eyes flicker with pain, but he stays silent. After a long moment, turns and storms out of the cottage without another word. The door slams behind him, leaving the small space trembling with the aftermath of his anger.

Brycen turns to Kaylin, his heart still pounding in his chest. "Are you alright?"

Kaylin lets out a shaky breath, nodding. "I... I think so."

Brycen steps closer, pulling them into his arms, holding them tight as the tension finally begins to ease from his body. "I’m sorry," he whispers into their hair. "I didn’t mean for this to happen."

Kaylin shakes their head against his chest. "It’s not your fault. Aaron... he just doesn’t understand."

Brycen sighs, pressing a kiss to the top of their head. "No, but I’ll make sure he doesn’t try to pull something like that again."

Kaylin looks up at him, their eyes soft. "Thank you. For standing up for me."

"I’ll always stand up for you," Brycen promises, holding them close.