Chiara sighed as she took the orb from the octopus. It was the 14th one today. She glanced at the sun, now sinking low on the horizon. Maybe three more, then call it a day.

She checked the last update on everyone's locations, hoping Rakesh's team had finally answered. Nothing.

Great. First Arjun, now them. Who else wants to go off the radar?

Dammit. They were probably up to no good.

Whatever. With the seven of them together, it was unlikely anything serious would happen, even if they ran into trouble in the Molten Crest.

Chiara stretched, ready to continue the hunt so she could finally get some much-needed rest, but then she sensed someone approaching.

She frowned, analyzing the frequency. Alonso?

Leaping onto a nearby cliff, she waited for him. He noticed her after a moment, halted, and then moved in her direction.

Odd. I thought he'd just ignore me and keep going.

Seconds later, he stopped in front of her.

When their eyes met, she involuntarily stepped back, her body trembling slightly.

Those eyes…

Then he closed them, standing still as if trying to calm himself.

Something felt off. He seemed tired, but… there was something more.

Chiara hesitated, wanting to speak, but decided to wait.

Seconds passed before he opened his eyes again.

The gaze was different now, more restrained, but… the feeling lingered. A part of that cold, piercing look was still there.

He walked up to her with a deliberate calm, took a pouch hanging from his waist, and placed it in her hand.

Chiara stared, stunned, unable to make sense of what was happening.

This pouch…

She held it in her hands, feeling it. Sling ammunition? No… her waves couldn't detect them…

Her breath caught as realization struck.

No… no… it can't be.

She slowly raised her eyes to meet his gaze, and the answer was there.

Her legs faltered, and she staggered back, her breathing growing shallow and erratic.

"I killed them."

The words came suddenly, his tone dry but far from empty.

Chiara shook her head. She… she had to calm herself.

She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, then looked at him again.

"They attacked you?"

But Alonso didn't respond, his gaze fixed on her but distant, as if lost somewhere far away.

"I still remember every word you told me back then, Chiara."

A knot tightened in her stomach, her pulse quickening.

"You said: 'If I had the strength to control them, I wouldn't be asking you to do this. But I don't. They're ruthless, strong-willed, and angrier than I'll ever be. If I can't direct that anger at you, it will tear this Oasis apart—and it will kill Ayu.' That's what you said. So… tell me, Chiara. Is the Oasis still there? Are you doing well, united? Is Ayu safe by your side?"

Chiara stood frozen, rooted in place.

"I also remember every word I said then," Alonso continued. "I told you: 'Pray I don't embrace the monster you're painting me to be.' Well… perhaps… your prayers weren't answered."

He turned and walked away in silence.

Ayu beamed as she admired the results of her work.

The square arena, crafted from sturdy wooden logs, mimicked the rings she was used to back in her hometown. It was a bit small for their current capabilities, but that was exactly what she wanted—tight quarters would work wonders for her new approach against him today.

She grinned at the thought. If Alonso wasn't careful, he was in for a serious wake-up call.

Her control over the technique he had taught her had improved by leaps and bounds throughout the day. She wasn't at the upper limit yet, but she was getting closer. However, it was her wave control and output that had truly soared.

Since Alonso had introduced her to a new way of understanding waves, she'd grown stronger with each attempt. The waterfall exercise that once challenged her? It was now a thing of the past.

She smiled to herself. It had been a great day, a productive day. And now, it was time to show her man what she was truly made of.

Let's see if he'd keep underestimating her after today.

She glanced at the position of the sun.

Hmm.

He was late.

Well… maybe he was busy with intense training. He'd mentioned heading all the way to the Molten Crest today, after all.

Deciding not to disturb him, her gaze shifted toward the cave.

It was cozy and well-located, especially with the hot spring inside, but… it was far too plain and small. That wouldn't do.

Her lips curved into a determined smile.

She couldn't let her training time slip away, but… she'd make time. She'd treat it as a break, something to calm her mind and heart. Yes, tomorrow, she'd surprise him. She'd make it a home worth coming back to.

As her thoughts wandered, she sensed movement coming her way.

She instantly recognized who it was and broke into a wide grin, practically bouncing as she moved to greet him.

It felt like forever since she'd last seen him, even though, in reality, it hadn't even been a day. But really, what could she do? That's just how she felt. And she liked the feeling.

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But as soon as he came into view, Ayu noticed—something was wrong.

His eyes were trying to hide it, and he even managed a smile as he took off his mask to greet her.

But Ayu wasn't buying it. If he thought he could fool her like that… well, not happening. Maybe he'd caught her off guard once, but not anymore.

She removed her own mask and stepped forward, her expression serious.

"What happened?"

His eyes narrowed slightly, but he maintained his composure.

"Sorry I'm late. Some Kelpies were giving me trouble on the last stretch." He glanced at the arena and his eyes widened a little. "Wow, you built this for the spars? It's—"

Before he could finish, Ayu stepped forward, wrapped her arms around his head, and pulled him down to rest against her chest.

He froze, completely taken aback. But… he didn't resist.

Slowly, he relaxed.

Ayu didn't know exactly what had happened, but she wasn't blind. She knew him now—knew him well. The pain behind his eyes… it stabbed at her heart, too.

So she held him tighter, pressing him close, just as her dad used to do when she came home after a bad day. He always knew. And every time, she felt at peace.

Now, it was her turn. She'd do the same for Alonso. He had carried so much, endured so much, all on his own. But not anymore.

Now he had her.

And so she stayed there, silent, holding him as his taller frame bent down, his head resting against her, neither of them saying a word.

Ayu noticed the position seemed uncomfortable for him, so she slowly shifted, sitting on the ground and guiding him to follow her.

Her vision blurred slightly as she realized he still hadn't said a word. His hand moved hesitantly to rest against her back before he let go completely, his body slumping into her, his face buried in her chest.

What… what could have happened?

She'd never seen him like this. Alonso, the strongest, most unyielding person she knew, now looked as though the weight of the world was crushing him.

A thought struck her, and her chest tightened.

Had he… killed someone?

The idea lodged itself in her mind, and nothing else seemed to fit.

The weight of taking a life… she knew it all too well. Her own hands had seen blood—people who'd tried to kill her for the orb, and those who wanted to take advantage of her body. There had been more than a few.

But this felt different. Alonso had killed before. She knew that. But… had he now killed someone he or she cared about? Chiara? Lukas?

Or… had he killed many? Was he attacked by a group?

She couldn't piece it together, but she didn't want to press him. Not now. Whatever had happened, this wasn't the time.

And whatever he had done… it didn't matter to her. Alonso had given her his heart, and she had given him hers. Whatever burden he carried, she would carry it with him.

Ayu gently ran her fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp as she held him close.

She tried to be soothing, running her hand up and down in a steady rhythm, while her other hand gently caressed his back.

"I still remember the first," Alonso suddenly said, his voice low but steady.

Ayu's hand paused mid-stroke.

"I tell myself I had no choice. I blamed The Tower," he continued. "I remember the second. I fought to protect my life."

Ayu's grip around him subtly tightened. Her brows furrowed, her heart aching as she felt the weight behind each word.

"I remember the third, the fourth, and the fifth. I didn't know all their names until much later: Oleg, Nia, and Varun," he said, his tone hollow yet steady, as though he had rehearsed these names in his mind countless times. "I told myself then… it was also to protect my life… to not leave it in the hands of others."

Ayu felt her throat tighten.

She pressed him closer against her, her fingers threading gently through his hair as if she could somehow shield him from the memories he was reliving.

"I remember the sixth—a duel to the death with a respected, honorable man. And now… now I've killed seven more… when my life was never truly in danger. When I could have just scared them away."

His voice cracked slightly at the end, and Ayu could feel the faint tremor in his body.

She swallowed hard, her own emotions threatening to spill over. "Alonso…" she whispered, but her voice faltered. What could she say? What could possibly ease the burden he carried?

Ayu closed her eyes, leaning her cheek against the top of his head. Her chest ached.

She tightened her hold on him, her hand pressing softly against his back.

And then, as she held him, a memory surfaced—something distant and buried, one she might have lost forever had it not resurfaced through the power The Tower had unlocked within her mind. It was a memory of her mother, singing to her when she was just a baby.

There was one lullaby in particular her mom used to hum the most, her voice always carrying an inexplicable strength despite its tenderness.

Maybe she could…

Well, Ayu knew she wasn't exactly the best singer, and since the song was in Thai, he wouldn't understand it anyway, but…

She took a deep breath, hesitated for a moment, and then began, trying her best:

"In the darkest hour of the night,

When the stars retreat from sight,

Close your eyes, let your heart stay true,

For the dawn will rise and carry you.

Through the storm and the rain's cold embrace,

Strength will find its resting place.

And though the shadows loom and grow,

The light within will always glow.

So lay your burdens, leave them here,

Feel the warmth of those who care.

For even the broken can stand tall,

And love will heal what breaks us all."

As she sang, she felt his body flinch slightly. His arms tightened around her, holding her closer.

Ayu's eyes blurred again with unshed tears, but she kept going, her hand continuing to gently massage his head as her voice carried the melody forward.

"When the weight of the world pulls you low,

And the path ahead seems hard to know,

Rest your soul, let the silence speak,

In the quiet, strength you'll seek.

Though the road may twist and wind,

Answers wait for those who climb.

And when the skies seem dark and vast,

Remember—this too shall pass.

In this moment, let it all fade,

The battles fought, the prices paid.

For you are more than scars and strife,

A light reborn, a force of life."

She felt the tension in his body ease little by little, his breathing steadying against her chest.

With a soft inhale, she continued, the closing verses of the song.

"Though storms may rise, and shadows stay,

I'll walk beside you all the way.

Through the fire, through the night,

Together we'll find the light.

It's okay, I'm here, don't fear the fight,

Your strength is mine; we'll face the night.

Let the darkness come, let it rage and roar,

You're not alone—not anymore."

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