I am Maribel Holloway, age 16, and I am an adventurer on a quest to escort Prince Ren Drakemore to Hyperion alongside my friend Shadow.

The sun dips low in the sky, casting a warm red glow through the scattered gaps in the forest canopy high above us. A cool breeze rides in on the heels of dusk, whispering through the leaves. The forest, already thick with shadow, grows darker as day begins its slow surrender to night.

"We should set up camp here for the night," comes Shadow's deep voice, resonating softly through me. I'm tucked in close beneath the blanket with my head resting against his side, and his voice seems to echo through my bones. I glance around and see that he's brought the wagon to a stop beside a patch of road flanked by a small clearing on either side. It's not a large space, but there's enough room for a few tents.

With a reluctant sigh, I extricate myself from my warm sanctuary beneath Shadow's arm and stretch as I stand. Shadow hops down to secure the horses while I scan the clearing. Along the edges, I notice several small trees that were cut down some time ago—likely by other travelers who used them for firewood. At the center of the clearing, just off the road, sits a ring of stones surrounding a patch of blackened ash.

Clearly, this spot has served as a campsite before.

"Did you know there was a campsite along the way?" I ask to no one in particular as I step down from the wagon.

"This isn't the first one we've passed," Ren replies, already gathering sticks for the fire. "There are probably quite a few old campsites like this along the road. You just missed them while you were sleeping."

I join Ren in collecting dry wood from around the clearing while Shadow unloads two large bundles of fabric and metal from the wagon, placing them on either side of the stone ring. By the time we return with a sizable stack of sticks and small logs, Shadow and Willow have already finished assembling the tents—two large rectangular shelters, each spacious enough to sleep four to six people comfortably.

"Wow, you put those together fast," I remark, dropping my final load onto the pile, still a little surprised by how quickly the campsite came together.

"Almost like magic," Willow says dryly, as she pulls a bed pad and several blankets from her bag of holding and arranges them neatly inside the tent to the right.

A sudden flash of light catches my eye, followed by a sharp burst of flame from the center of the stone fire pit beside me. I turn to see Ren lowering his hand as the pile of kindling he'd arranged erupts into a controlled blaze. The fire crackles and pops, casting a warm golden glow across the clearing as night settles in around us.

I head into the tent on the left, pulling out my bedding and blankets and laying them out neatly. Once finished, I pause and take in the space—it feels even larger on the inside, surprisingly roomy and far more luxurious than I'm used to. Most of the time when Shadow and I camp during quests, we're crammed together in the wagon. Which... wasn't terrible.

But having a roof over our heads is way better.

Stepping back outside, I see Shadow setting a thick log near the fire to serve as a bench. Nearby, Willow has set up a metal tripod, suspending a pot over the growing flames. She's now pulling out chopped vegetables and bits of preserved meat from her bag, dropping them into the pot. Ren stands beside her, arm outstretched, quietly casting a spell to fill the pot with water.

I walk over and take a seat on the log, stretching my hands toward the fire to warm them. Not long after, Ren joins me, sitting beside me with a weary look in his eyes as he stares into the flames.

Watching him, I'm a little surprised by how composed he is for someone so young. I would have expected a child—especially a royal one—to grumble about the long wagon ride or complain about roughing it without luxuries.

This kid isn't like any noble I've ever met.

"Is this your first time camping like this?" I ask, watching Ren yawn beside me. He slowly turns his head toward me, looking momentarily confused, as if the question hadn't quite registered.

"We've camped plenty of times before," he replies through his fatigue. "But… this time feels different." He trails off, eyes drifting toward Willow as she stirs the pot of stew.

"Oh. I didn't think princes did much camping," I say, glancing out at the fog beginning to roll in through the trees. "But yeah… something about this place does feel different to me too."

"We've never camped anywhere this dangerous before," Shadow interjects as he lowers himself to sit on the ground beside us. "The monsters in this forest are far stronger than anything we typically encounter in the valley."

The Forest of Erwin is infamous for its monstrous wildlife—dangerous enough that it's treated as a natural barrier between Arcadia and Hyperion. Only this winding road through its heart is deemed safe enough to travel, and even that's prone to attacks. Normally, I'd be worried. But with Shadow here, I feel secure. He doesn't sleep, so he can keep watch through the night—and if anything tries to attack us, I'm confident he can handle it.

"Here you go," Willow says, handing Ren and me each a bowl of steaming stew.

I hold it up to my face and take a sniff. The aroma is mouthwatering—rich, savory, and comforting. The creamy mix of chopped vegetables and meat looks far too appetizing for something made from travel rations.

"Thank you, this looks amazing," I say enthusiastically, scooping a spoonful into my mouth. "And it tastes amazing too!" I exclaim after swallowing. "How did you make this out of jerky and vegetables?"

Beside me, Ren eats quietly, spooning stew into his mouth with half-lidded eyes, too tired to join in my excitement.

"You'd be surprised what I can do," Willow says with a sly smile.

And I certainly am. I suddenly find myself with a newfound respect for the prince's attendant and her unexpectedly impressive cooking skills.

"When you're done, young master, please turn in for the night. You'll need your rest for tomorrow," Lady Willow says sweetly, offering Ren a gentle smile. He nods with his spoon still in his mouth, too tired to reply.

With that, Willow drifts off toward the rear of the tents. I notice Shadow tilt his head slightly, eyes following her as she disappears into the dark. A few seconds later, he rises without a word and walks off in the same direction.

Now I'm alone with Ren.

"I'm going to bed," he mumbles around a yawn, placing his bowl on the log before dragging himself toward his tent. A moment later, the flap closes behind him.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

I remain seated for a while longer, watching the fire crackle and flicker. The night is quiet—just the rustling of leaves, the distant call of nocturnal birds, and the low whisper of wind threading through the trees. But then I catch it—soft murmurs, hushed voices drifting in from beyond the tents.

The same direction Willow and Shadow went.

I set my bowl aside and rise quietly, ears straining for a clue about what they're discussing out there alone. Curiosity snags me like a hook in the ribs, pulling me toward the sound before I've even decided to move. Heat creeps up the back of my neck, my jaw tightens, and there's this knot in my chest I can't quite name. Why would Shadow go off to meet with her alone? Who exactly is that woman to him?

My feet carry me forward on instinct. It's not jealousy, of course—not at all. I'm just… concerned. Maybe something's wrong. Maybe he needs help and didn't want to worry me.

Yes. That's it.

Just concern. I'm being a good friend.

And this definitely isn't me being jealous. I mean… It's not like Shadow is mine to be jealous of.

I quietly sneak to the rear of the tent, drawn by the soft murmur of voices. Peeking around the corner, I spot Willow and Shadow facing each other at the edge of the clearing. Her arms are crossed, her silver hair catching the moonlight, and her piercing blue eyes regard Shadow with cool detachment. He stands with one hand outstretched toward her—a silent plea she pointedly ignores.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Shadow's voice is low, tinged with hurt. "Why will you hold him, but—"

"You're not him," Willow interrupts, her tone flat and final. She takes a half-step back. "You're a golem made of mithril. It's dangerous for me to be near you, let alone touch you."

Shadow's arm slowly drops. His head lowers in quiet resignation, as if her words had pressed the weight of his condition directly onto his shoulders.

"Do you hate me now?" he asks softly, voice brittle at the edges.

"I am incapable of hating you," she replies, emotionless as stone. Then she turns her back on him. Shadow lifts his head slightly—perhaps holding on to a shred of hope.

"But I am equally incapable of being what you want in this form," she finishes, walking away without another word.

Startled, I duck back behind the tent just in time. I scramble quietly to the front and slip inside, heart racing.

What was that? Was Shadow… asking for a hug?

What kind of relationship did they have?

That knot in my stomach tightens. From the sound of it, they were close—before his transformation. And now… she can't stand to be near him?

I sit down hard on my bedding, still trying to piece it all together.

It shouldn't bother me. It's none of my business.

And yet it does.

It really, really does.

It bothers me that Shadow wants another woman to hold him, to be close to him. I'm the one who's been by his side every day for a year. Why would he go to her?

It bothers me even more that she rejected him so coldly. How shallow does someone have to be to turn him away just because of his condition? She could've at least let him down gently.

It hurts to see him so clearly in pain. He's told me before how lonely and isolating it is, being trapped in that golem body. I understand that feeling all too well—I lived it for years. And then he saved me. My knight in shining armor. Shadow pulled me out of that dark, hopeless place. And now, the person who means more to me than anyone is slipping into that same darkness.

I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner. I assumed that because I was happy in his company, he must've been happy too. I thought his calm, stoic demeanor meant he was content. I was wrong.

Suddenly, a fierce resolve grips me. I will be for Shadow what he was for me. I'll be the one to lift him out of that darkness—to remind him he's not alone, not unwanted. I want to be the one he turns to for comfort, for strength—not her. Not that cold, heartless witch who turned her back on him when he needed her most.

I remove my cloak, folding it neatly and placing it beside the sleeping pad. My boots come off next, set by the tent's entrance, followed by my weapons, bag, and gauntlets. Lastly, I peel off my bodysuit, the cool air biting at my skin as I lay the garment carefully atop the rest of my gear. A shiver rolls down my spine, and I quickly retreat under the thick blankets for warmth.

With the covers pulled up over my head, I hear the tent flap rustle open, followed by the heavy clunk of Shadow's armored feet stepping inside. From the narrow gap in the blanket, I glimpse his greaves.

"Hey, Shadow," I call out, doing my best to sound casual despite the flutter in my chest. "It's cold. Would you mind joining me?"

It's a familiar request. He often shares warmth with me during our travels. Ever since his mithril upgrade, he's been able to radiate heat using just a trickle of mana, and I've relied on that comfort through many cold nights.

"I'll be right there," he replies, calm as always. There's no sign of the emotion he showed earlier, only his usual quiet steadiness.

I hear the subtle clink and scrape of him removing his armor. Not long after, his voice comes again, closer now. "Alright. I'm coming in."

The blanket lifts, letting in a brief gust of cold air before Shadow's frame slips beneath it. His polished mithril body glimmers faintly in the low light, catching a subtle blue sheen as he settles beside me. He leans gently over me while lying on his side, propped up on one elbow, forming a protective arc around me.

His face hovers close to mine, smooth and featureless. His physique is many times larger than mine. So heavy and dense It feels like I am wrapped in a warm metal shell. I feel safe.

I've always felt safe with Shadow—maybe because he doesn't have a body that could want something from mine. His kindness has always felt untainted, free of desire or hidden motives. That safety let me be vulnerable with him in ways I never could with anyone else.

My breath catches.

It's not the sight of his body—I've seen it countless times. I've scrubbed grime and blood from his frame after battle. It's not even my nakedness that brings heat to my cheeks.

What makes my heart race now… is the anticipation of what I'm about to do.

"Hey, Shadow…"

"Yes?"

"You said that your new body gives you some sensation of touch, right?"

"Yes, I can feel pressure. Why do you ask? Are you uncomfortable?"

"I'm comfortable. It's just… would you like to test that new ability of yours?"

"Test it how?"

I reach out with both hands, sliding them gently up his smooth mithril torso. My fingers trail slowly across the polished metal of his chest.

"How does that feel?" I ask.

"It feels… good," he replies, sounding just a little surprised.

"Good. How about this?" I slip my arms under his, threading them around his back—not quite able to reach all the way. I press my chest against his warmth, resting my cheek against the smooth, solid curve of his chest. My fingers trail slowly along the lines of his back before settling into a tight hug.

His voice comes out soft and almost shy. "I like that a lot."

Releasing our embrace and slowly laying back down beneath him, I look up into the smooth plane of Shadow's face—trying to imagine where his eyes would be if he were human. My heart flutters, and a small, shy smile tugs at my lips. "Now your turn," I whisper, the words coming out more nervous than I intend. "Try touching me."

Shadow shifts his weight, raising one hand above me—but then pauses. There's a long, tense moment where he hesitates, his fingertips hovering just above my stomach.

"Is this… okay?" His voice is uncertain, quieter than usual.

"Yes," I whisper, placing both my hands around his. "It's okay."

I gently guide his hand until it rests lightly on my stomach. His palm is warm from the steady hum of mana, and the pressure he applies is careful—almost reverent.

He doesn't move on his own, so I guide him a little higher, my hands trembling slightly as they rest atop his. We stop just above my chest, and for a long moment, neither of us speaks. I breathe heavily and I feel a sensation and an urge I've never felt before.

Suddenly I want a lot more of something I didn't think I would ever want. I want to feel his strength. I want to be at the mercy of his desires. Desires I'm not sure he even has. The heat rises further as my hands reach for his face. I place one hand on either side of his face.

"Shadow… please don't ever leave me."

The words spill out before I can filter them. I'd meant to say so much more—that I want to be the one he turns to when he needs comfort, that I love him, that he means more to me than I ever expected. But in the end, it all coils together and rises as one desperate, honest plea not to be left behind.

"I promise," he says softly. "I won't leave you."

I never knew four simple words could have so much power. In an instant, they fill my heart with warmth and hope, and with them, an entirely new world takes shape—a world where Shadow and I are together. Not just temporary companions leaning on each other for a season, but bonded. For the rest of my days.

That world didn't exist before he spoke those four words. But now that he has, it's as real to me as this moment. As real as his arms around me now.

His hands caress my chest with gentle pressure, each motion radiating a soft, steady warmth that seeps into my skin. A quiet shiver runs through me, and I press closer, eyes fluttering shut as I breathe him in. The tension in my body melts, my grip loosening just slightly as my body relaxes. In his arms, the world feels far away… and before I realize it, sleep pulls me under.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.