The atmosphere around their secluded home in the Beast Forest had settled. Time seemed to pass slowly after the horrors they had faced. Haruno's pregnancy had reached its final stages, and Ravihiro had been diligently making preparations for the upcoming birth, ensuring everything was in place. The tension that once filled the air had subsided, though Ravihiro remained distant, focused on his duties and training.
He stood in front of the house, gazing into the forest with narrowed eyes, his thoughts drifting. Haruno rested inside, her condition fragile as her delivery time approached. Ravihiro knew he needed help—someone to assist them during this crucial period. He couldn't do everything alone, not with the looming responsibilities and Haruno's condition.
"I need to find a maid," he muttered to himself, his mind already considering where to look.
With a determined expression, he set out into the wilderness, following a path deeper into the Beast Forest, his senses sharp as he moved through the dense trees. His goal was clear, and he wouldn't return without someone to assist Haruno.
Hours passed as Ravihiro ventured further into the unknown, his presence barely disturbing the beasts that roamed the forest. He could sense the power of various creatures, but none posed a threat to him—not anymore. After all he had experienced, his strength had grown to an unimaginable level.
But something strange caught his attention. A powerful aura—a beast's presence, different from anything he had sensed before—loomed ahead. Ravihiro's eyes narrowed as he cautiously approached the source. A dragon.
Emerging from the shadows, a massive black-scaled dragon towered before him, its glowing red eyes fixed on Ravihiro. The dragon let out a deafening roar, sending shockwaves through the forest, its body radiating power.
Without hesitation, the dragon attacked, sending a barrage of energy blasts toward Ravihiro. He swiftly dodged, moving with the grace and precision of a master cultivator, drawing his blade as he prepared for battle.
The two clashed, their attacks shaking the earth beneath them. The dragon's fiery breath scorched the ground, while Ravihiro's blade moved like lightning, cutting through the air with deadly precision. The forest around them was reduced to chaos as their battle raged on.
Hours later, the battle reached its climax. Ravihiro stood over the defeated dragon, his breathing calm and composed, though the damage to the landscape was undeniable. The dragon lay on the ground, too weak to continue fighting. Ravihiro raised his sword, prepared to deliver the final blow, but something unexpected happened.
Before his eyes, the dragon began to transform. Its massive, scaled body shimmered, shrinking down until a figure stood before him—a woman. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, her dragon-like features softened into a strikingly beautiful face. She wore a flowing robe, and though her eyes held the same fierce glow, there was a vulnerability in them.
"Do it," the woman said, her voice filled with exhaustion and resignation. "End my life, warrior. I have failed to protect what I once held dear."
Ravihiro hesitated, his sword still raised. He looked into her eyes, seeing the pain and weariness behind them. For the first time in a long while, something in him stirred—an instinct that urged him not to kill.
"You want me to kill you?" he asked, his voice colder than he intended.
The dragon-woman nodded, her eyes filled with acceptance. "I have nothing left. My kin are gone, my strength shattered. I am no longer fit to live."
Ravihiro lowered his blade, his expression unreadable. "No. You will not die here."
The woman's eyes widened in surprise. "What?"
"You fought well. You are strong. There is no reason for your life to end here, like this." Ravihiro sheathed his sword, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at her. "I have need of someone like you."
Her shock turned into confusion. "Someone like me? What do you mean?"
"I need a maid. Someone to help take care of a… situation back at my home," Ravihiro explained. "If you're truly without purpose, then I will give you one."
The woman stared at him, her mind racing. She had never expected mercy from the man who had nearly killed her, but now… he was offering her something she hadn't had in years. A reason to live. A purpose.
"If you agree, you will serve me and assist the one under my care. You'll be under my protection," Ravihiro said, turning his back to her. "Or you can choose death, but I'm not offering this again."
The woman, still in disbelief, took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "I… I will serve you."
"Good." Ravihiro began walking away, motioning for her to follow. "Let's go. Time is short."
They returned to the house in the Beast Forest, where Haruno had been resting, unaware of Ravihiro's battle with the dragon. As they approached, Haruno was sitting outside, her hands resting on her swollen belly, her eyes reflecting the serenity of the forest.
"Haruno," Ravihiro called out as they neared. "I brought help."
Haruno looked up, her eyes widening when she saw the beautiful woman following behind Ravihiro. She felt a strange aura emanating from the woman but chose not to question it, trusting Ravihiro's decision.
"This is…" Ravihiro paused. "I didn't get your name."
The woman stepped forward, bowing slightly. "My name is kaira," she said softly. "I will serve you both as I promised."
Haruno smiled warmly, though she couldn't shake the feeling of mystery surrounding the woman. "Thank you for coming. I'm Haruno, and we're grateful for your help."
Ravihiro nodded and glanced at Haruno. "She'll be helping with the delivery when the time comes. Until then, rest. I'll make sure everything is ready."
As the days passed, kaira adapted to her new role, assisting Haruno with her daily needs and preparing for the upcoming birth. She remained silent most of the time, her dragon nature still lurking beneath her calm demeanor, but she was grateful to have been given another chance.
Ravihiro kept his distance, focusing on his training and preparing for any potential threats. The peace they had found was fragile, and he knew it wouldn't last forever. But for now, they were safe.
For now, they had each other.
And for now, that was enough.
To be continued...