Laverna stirred in Shin's embrace, the comfort of Shin's arms still wrapped around her. Though her tears had dried, her face remained pressed gently against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.
Her body was heavy from the emotional toll, but her mind was still reeling. She didn't understand why she felt so safe in this embrace, but she knew she didn't want to leave it just yet.
Shin remained still, allowing her the silence she needed. He could feel her steady breath against his skin, tinged with lingering sorrow.
He glanced down, watching strands of her orange hair shift slightly with each breath. She looked peaceful now, but he knew what it had taken to bring her here.
Laverna opened her eyes slowly, adjusting to the light. She blinked a few times before looking up at him, her expression soft, uncertain.
"You didn't let go," she said, voice hoarse from crying.
Shin gave a small smile. "I said I'd be here. I meant it."
She stared at him, studying his face as if trying to decipher the kind of man who could offer such quiet strength. Her lips parted as if to speak, but she hesitated.
He gently brushed her bangs aside. "Say it. Whatever's on your mind."
She lowered her gaze. "I've always believed that showing emotion made me weak. That the moment I let someone in, they'd use it against me."
Shin's fingers stilled, his voice low. "You're not weak. You're living. Even blades forged in fire have limits."
Laverna swallowed hard. "I hated fate for making me cross paths with you. I didn't want to rely on anyone. But now... It's like some part of me wants to trust you. That terrifies me."
He met her gaze, his own eyes shadowed with understanding. "I know. I used to walk alone, too. Still do, most days. But sometimes, it's okay to reach out. You're not gambling. You're surviving."
She looked at him for a long moment, her eyes glassy again but not with grief this time, more with clarity.
"And you?" she asked. "Why stay? Why care?"
Shin turned his head slightly, eyes focusing on the ceiling as he searched for words. "Because I see myself in you. And maybe... helping you helps me feel less broken."
Laverna leaned into him again, more grounded this time. "That's a dangerous kind of bond."
"Yeah," Shin whispered. "But maybe that's the only kind worth keeping."
They lay in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts, but no longer alone. The weight between them didn't vanish, but it felt lighter somehow.
Outside, morning birds chirped faintly. The world kept turning, indifferent to the quiet storm that had finally settled inside their hearts.
But within that stillness, two people who had lost everything found something they never expected. A reason to keep going.
And perhaps, the beginnings of something more.
After a few moments of calm, Laverna drank water, the cool liquid grounding her. She felt good—oddly light, as though a weight had been lifted from her chest.
Is this what freedom is? she wondered, staring at the ripples in her cup. A strange peace settled over her that she didn't quite recognize.
The longer she spent time with Shin, the more her kitsune side stirred—not in fury or fight, but in play. The curious creature within her gently tapped at her consciousness, begging to be acknowledged.
This was unlike any previous experience. When emotions overwhelmed her before, it had been destructive—fiery rage, survival instinct, the need to destroy.
But now, something else was waking. Something softer, more playful. Could it be because she was near another of her kind?
She wasn't sure, but it intrigued her. It was something she'd need to explore in time.
Feeling oddly motivated, though still shy, she glanced toward Shin. "While we wait for the summons, what are we going to do in the meantime?"
Shin folded his arms thoughtfully. "I'll need to teach you advanced kunoichi techniques. And it's time you learned how to channel both your Ki and Mana."
She sniffled one last time and took another sip of water, no longer feeling the pressure of tears. Then, with a light bounce, she stood on the balcony railing.
"Well, I'm okay to start. Are you?" she teased with a playful smirk, a spark in her eyes.
Before he could answer, she leaned backward off the balcony. Her hand shot out, catching the ledge with effortless grace as she swung herself down.
Shin watched her body disappear over the edge, then reappear as she darted across the open field below, heading toward the training grounds. Her energy was undeniable.
He sighed and shook his head, already anticipating what was coming. "There she goes..."
With a resigned smirk, he picked up their room keys, locked the door behind him, took a shirt from the closet, and vaulted over the railing. Using the wall and balcony railings to slow his descent, he landed lightly and chased after her toward the training fields.
By the time Shin caught up, Laverna was already warming up with stretches, a determined fire in her eyes. The soldiers at the field watched her with curiosity and mild amusement, most of them recognizing her as Shin's companion.
Captain Rorick raised a brow as Shin approached. "She wants to spar?"
Shin nodded. "She needs to learn."
Rorick whistled, and a tall, imposing beastwoman stepped forward. She had the build of a mountain, lean and powerful, her dark fur spotted with streaks of silver and having a long, spiky silver hair. Her eyes gleamed with focus and confidence.
"Olga," the captain called. "You're up."
Laverna cracked her knuckles, undeterred by Olga's size. "I'm ready."
Shin opened his mouth to warn her, but decided against it. She needed to learn.
The spar began with a blur. Laverna darted in, swift and agile, her body moving on instinct. She launched a flurry of attacks, combining kicks and feints, but Olga barely moved. Calm and measured, the beastwoman sidestepped with practiced ease.
Then, with one smooth motion, Olga grabbed Laverna's wrist mid-strike, twisted her momentum, and sent her sprawling to the ground.
Laverna blinked up at the sky, breath knocked from her lungs.
"Too predictable," Olga said, extending a hand to help her up. "Your movements are flashy, but you're thinking with your pride, not your head."
Laverna took the hand and got to her feet, cheeks flushed—not from embarrassment, but from the sting of truth.
"Again," she said, brushing herself off.
Shin smiled from the sidelines. Maybe this was exactly the lesson she needed.