The brothel was quiet that evening.
The laughter and clinking glasses that usually filled the hall were gone, replaced by the faint sound of footsteps and murmured talk from the upper rooms. Winter and Sasha stood by the door, their clothes dusty from the road.
Winter still looked shaken. His small hands clutched the edge of Sasha's sleeve tightly, refusing to let go. Sasha gave a soft sigh and patted his head.
"Remember what Rin said," he whispered. "Don't tell anyone what happened. Not even Lirien."
Winter looked up at him, eyes red and puffy. "But... Rin will be alright, right?"
Sasha nodded quickly. "Of course. Rin's very strong. He'll be fine."
Winter's lips trembled. "Then why didn't he beat up those bad men?"
Sasha paused. His throat tightened. There was no easy answer for that. Rin had told them to leave quietly... not to fight, not to say a word. Sasha knew he had his reasons. Maybe because those people were nobles.
