They walked the narrow plank together.

The world turned against them with a vengeance. Cultivators from Luminar hunted them as dangerous criminals. Villages they tried to help turned them away, frightened by Cassia’s shadow-touched aura. Former friends became enemies. The Council placed bounties on their heads.

But they faced it together.

When shadow-beasts attacked in the Whispering Woods, Elian’s sword flashed silver while Cassia’s dark energy bound the creatures in place. Where Cassia’s impulsiveness led them into danger, Elian’s careful planning found them a way out. When Cassia’s mask finally shattered completely, breaking down in tears over the weight of it all, Elian held her through the night and never once told her to be strong.

“I’m sorry,” Cassia whispered one evening as they camped in a cave, both wounded from another skirmish. “You gave up everything for me. Your future, your family—”

“Stop apologizing for my choices,” Elian said firmly. He was cleaning a cut on Cassia’s arm, his touch gentle despite his stern tone. “I chose this. I chose you.”

Cassia looked up sharply. “What?”

Elian’s hands stilled. In the firelight, his usually composed expression finally cracked, revealing something vulnerable beneath. “Did you really not know? All these years, I’ve been… Cassia, I didn’t follow you out of duty. I followed you because the thought of you facing this alone was unbearable.”

“Elian…”

“I watched you every day,” Elian continued quietly. “Your brilliance, your determination to help others no matter the cost. When you chose this path, everyone saw a fall from grace. But I saw courage—the strength to do what was right even when it meant losing everything.” His voice softened. “I didn’t follow you out of pity. I followed because I realized I don’t want to watch you from a distance anymore. I want to walk beside you, through thorns and swords and whatever else the world throws at us.”

Cassia’s breath caught. All the years of companionship, of steady presence, of unwavering support suddenly crystallized into clarity. “How long?”

“Since we were children beneath the willow tree. Since you first smiled at me, all golden and bright, and asked if I wanted to train together.” Elian’s hand found hers. “Maybe even before that.”

They sat in silence, hands clasped, while the fire crackled between them. Outside, the wind howled with the promise of more hardship ahead. But here, in this moment, Cassia felt something she hadn’t experienced in months—peace.

“I don’t deserve you,” she whispered.

“That’s not for you to decide,” Elian replied. “The question is: do you want me to stay?”

Cassia pulled him close, pressing their foreheads together. “Always. For as long as you’re willing.”

“Then it’s settled.” Elian’s lips curved into a rare, soft smile. “We face the unknown together.”