The Protector

They stopped by a lake to rest, with the half moonlight reflecting on the water.

While journeying away from Oshim's hut, Safiya found her mind consumed with thoughts. Despite Malik being by her side, offering comfort, she still couldn't shake her doubt. But something about the seven nagged at her.

Were the seven enough? What if she failed to meet them when the war started?

'No, no,' she shook her head, believing that the gods would be on her side, just as they had been on Saka's side until the tragic end when his friend killed him.

"What are you thinking?" Malik asked, grazing her cheek with his thumb.

Seated in front of the lake at the bank, Safiya's eyes were focused ahead, but Malik hadn't stopped looking at her.

Safiya's shoulders slumped. It was impossible for him not to notice anything when it came to her. If this had been her old self, she would have locked everything away.