The princess leaned back against the cold wall.

“That leader’s shout earlier—that was a signal. It means they’re closing the gates for the night. Everyone returns inside, no matter what.”

Ashren swallowed.

“And they… thought we were one of them?”

“Exactly,” she whispered.
“That’s why I told you not to talk.
One wrong word, one wrong sound—
and they’d smash us like insects.”

Ashren shuddered.

“Great. So I survived a burning village… evil soldiers… monsters… and now a tribe of blue giants.”

The princess smacked his arm lightly.

“Give me some credit. They’re idiots who can kill you with one finger.”

She lifted her bracelet, and soft white light shimmered from it, illuminating the small room.

Ashren exhaled.
“That thing really is magic.”

“It was my mother’s,” she said quietly.
“Her last gift.”

Ashren paused—letting the silence soften.

“Princess… you know a lot about the outside world.

she said softly, “stop calling me ‘princess’ all the time.”

Ashren blinked.
“Oh. Then… what should I—”

She cut him off gently.

“My name is Elara Serinelle.”
Her eyes softened.
“Just… call me Elara.”

Ashren nodded slowly, almost surprised.

“Elara… then.”

She smiled faintly.

They sat together on the stone floor.

After a moment, Ashren looked at her seriously.

“Elara… why don’t you go back and reclaim your kingdom?”

Elara stared at him as if he’d grown two heads.

“Ashren… that’s not how war works. My kingdom is gone. My people are scattered. I don’t have soldiers… I don’t even have a home.”

Ashren spoke without hesitation—words flowing naturally and honestly.

“You have me now.”

Elara blinked.
Her breath caught.
She froze.

Ashren’s voice was steady—certain.

“I’ll help you take your kingdom back.
Whatever it takes.
I’ll stand with you until the end.”
He looked directly into her eyes.
“I promise.
You won’t face this world alone.”

Elara’s eyes filled instantly, her head lowering as tears finally escaped—tears she had held back for years.

“Ashren…”
Her voice cracked.
“Those words… they mean more than you know.”

He gently wiped a tear from her cheek.

“Then keep them close.”

Slowly, exhausted from fear, running, and secrets finally released, they lay down on the dried-leaf bedding in the little hut.

Safe for one night.

Just one.

To be continued…

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