The night was unusually quiet, as if the village itself sensed the impending storm.
Elcos's father lingered outside the door, his heart swelling with quiet joy as he watched his son and Mitsuki. For the first time in years, he felt a peace that had long eluded him—Elcos had found someone who truly cared for him.
But miles away in Shavik, darkness loomed. Ervin stood before Caural, his expression hardened with grim determination. "We capture Shank. That is our priority," he declared.
Caural frowned. "Who is he? Why does he matter?"
Ervin's gaze darkened, his mind drifting into the agony of his past—memories of his father's merciless slaughter, the cries of innocent lives crushed beneath his tyranny. If this truth ever surfaced, his legacy would crumble into nothing. Shank knew too much.
"You don't need to know," Ervin said coldly, pushing away the ghosts of his past.
Meanwhile, back in the village, Elcos stirred awake. His vision blurred before settling on Mitsuki's exhausted yet relieved face. "How long…?" he whispered.
"Three days," she answered softly.
He frowned, noticing the exhaustion etched into her features. His mother entered and gently explained, "She never left your side."
Conflicted, Elcos looked at Mitsuki. "Why would you do that?"
Mitsuki's eyes lowered with guilt. "Because of me, the snake bit you. I needed to take care of you."
Elcos sat up quickly, the blanket slipping off his chest. "That wasn't necessary! And… why am I shirtless?" His face grew hot with embarrassment.
Mitsuki turned slightly red herself. "You were burning up. I had to cool you down."
His mother stepped in before the moment grew unbearable. "Dannie, come eat. You've gone three days without food."
His stomach growled, as if protesting its neglect. "So that's why I feel like I'm starving."
Days passed, and his strength returned. Mitsuki remained by his side, their bond deepening with every moment spent together. One afternoon, she challenged him to a race near the riverbank. Her playful laugh echoed as she dodged his grasp, but Elcos was quick—he caught her wrist, pulling her into a whirlwind spin before they collapsed onto the grass, breathless and grinning.
That evening, she invited him for dinner. The warmth of her home was comforting, but something felt off. Shank greeted him stiffly, his eyes betraying his anxiety. As they ate, Elcos noticed Mitsuki's mother exchanging tense glances with her husband.
"You're hiding something," Elcos finally said, setting down his cup.
The silence was deafening.
Then—three sharp knocks at the door.
Mitsuki's father stiffened. Mitsuki's breath hitched. Elcos instinctively reached for his dagger.
Outside, the night whispered of danger.
The storm had arrived.