Chapter 69: One Hundred Years Long Darkbound

She looks at him sharply, his words striking a chord deep within her. For a moment, she sees not the warrior he has become but the curious, determined being she met so long ago. The one who traced shapes in the sand to communicate with her. The one who never gave up, no matter how different they seemed.

She moves closer. Her fingers reach out, trembling slightly, until they brush against his. The touch is brief but electrifying, sending ripples through the water around them. Kyren stiffens, his reflective eyes locking onto hers as if searching for confirmation.

"I've already taken the risk," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "Every time I came back here, every time I chose to stay with you… I was risking everything."

Kyren's lips curl into a faint, relieved smile. "Then why not see it through? Why not give us a chance?"

"Alright," she says, her glow pulsing softly. "I'll take the risk. For you."