It was the final hours of the night. The forest was dark and silent, but for Altan and Llyn, the journey was far from over. Daen's unconscious body was resting at the base of a small rock, treated with herbs Llyn had quickly prepared. The air was cool, the leaves damp with mist.

"We're not leaving him here, are we?" Llyn asked, her voice soft but firm.

Altan checked his sword and gave a short nod. "No. But he's safe for now. I rigged the area."

Llyn raised an eyebrow. "You rigged it? With what? Strings between branches? I'm sure goblins are terrified of thread."

Altan smirked. "No. I studied their paths. I left tight spaces and blind angles where they'd cluster. You elves trust your sharp eyes, but war is something else."

She shrugged. "And you're a war expert now? You're still seven."

He didn't answer—just kept walking.

For a while, they moved in silence. Then, a distant scream broke the stillness.

Altan froze. "Did you hear that?"

Llyn had already drawn her bow. "Two voices... a man and a woman."

Altan nodded. "Coming from the eastern slope. We can use the hill for an advantage."

Llyn smiled. "You're starting to talk like a real soldier."

Altan gave her a glance. "Because I am one."

The two sprinted together—swift and silent. As they passed through the trees, the voices grew clearer. Cries for help, the clash of metal on wood… and those high-pitched goblin cackles.

They finally reached a clearing. Two travelers were cornered near a toppled cart. One wheel had broken off. Four goblins had surrounded them.

Altan didn't hesitate. Llyn pulled back her string.

The first arrow struck a goblin between the eyes before it could scream. Altan leapt off a rock, driving his blade through the second's throat. The third stumbled back—Llyn's arrow pierced its knee, sending it tumbling. The last goblin tried to flee, but Altan landed on it mid-sprint, ending the fight in an instant.

It was over in less than thirty seconds. A perfect rhythm.

Altan rushed to the man. "Are you alright?"

The man nodded, breathless. The woman clutched her stomach but was conscious. "Thank you… we were almost—"

"Easy," Llyn said, her voice calm. "You're injured. We'll help."

Altan turned to her. "Let's take them to Daen. It's safer there."

"They might not walk," Llyn noted. "We'll have to carry them. Which one's yours?"

"You're lighter. You take the woman," Altan replied casually. "I'll carry him."

"So you're saying I'm weak?"

"I didn't say that. You did."

Llyn rolled her eyes but carefully helped the woman to her feet. Altan hoisted the man over his shoulder, and together, they vanished into the woods again.

---

Soon, they reached Daen's camp once more. The sky had started to brighten—dawn was coming.

Altan and Llyn sat by the fire, tired but alert. Llyn quietly cleaned her bow while Altan sharpened his blade.

Eventually, Llyn broke the silence.

"That was a good fight."

Altan didn't look up. "You weren't bad yourself."

Llyn smiled. "That's quite a compliment coming from someone as smug as you."

"And quite an admission from someone who thinks she knows everything."

They locked eyes for a moment. Then, both chuckled softly.

For the first time in years, Altan felt like he could truly trust someone. Llyn… someone just as sharp, just as fearless.

And perhaps fate had no intention of keeping them apart.

---

📜 End of Chapter Note:

Altan and Llyn fought side by side for the first time—and their synergy was undeniable. Their banter may sound like rivalry, but something deeper is forming. In the depths of the forest, a powerful bond is growing… and soon, even greater battles will demand it.