A Sacrifice for Understanding.

Chapter 3

Lance's glare cut through her words like a blade, startling everyone. "That's all you ever think about, isn't it? Zarkon, Zarkon, Zarkon. It's exhausting, you know?"

Allura stiffened but quickly regained her composure. "Lance—"

"I don't want to hear it." Lance stepped toward her, his glare intensifying, his voice low and sharp. "If that's the only reason you need me—fine. I'll help. But don't think I'll stick around afterward. I can't stand to be in that castle a moment longer than I have to."

The room fell into stunned silence as Lance stormed past them, leaving Allura rooted in place, her mouth slightly open but no words coming out.

Hunk broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. "Was that really Lance? I've never seen him look at anyone like that before..."

The group slowly made their way back to the castle. Lance trailed behind, silent and distant. When they arrived, he didn't speak to anyone. Instead, he locked himself in his old room, shutting the door on any attempt at conversation.

For the rest of the day, Lance didn't emerge—not even for a meal.

The next morning, Lance finally left the safety of his room and headed to the training deck. There, to his surprise, Keith was already waiting, leaning casually against the wall.

Keith straightened as Lance approached. "You're back, but don't expect us to go easy on you just because you've been gone," Keith said, his tone light but with an underlying edge.

Lance rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. How about some combat training? Just to get back into the swing of things."

Keith smirked. "Fine. Let's see if you remember the basics."

The two squared off and trained for hours, pushing each other harder with every sparring session. Keith felt a thrill he hadn't experienced in a long time. He couldn't pinpoint why—was it simply having a live opponent again, or something else entirely?

Finally, both of them slumped to the floor, breathing heavily.

Lance glanced at Keith, offering a rare, genuine smile. "Thanks. I needed that."

Keith raised an eyebrow. "Needed what? You haven't forgotten how to fight."

Lance let out a laugh, the first one Keith had heard since his return. "No, not that. I just had a lot on my mind. Training with you helped me clear my head for a bit."

Keith stared at him for a moment before giving a small nod. He reached out, patting Lance's shoulder. "Yeah, whatever. Let's grab something to eat. We've got more training to do later—and next time, I'm not holding back."

Lance chuckled, a bit of his old energy creeping back. "Sure. Just don't expect me to go easy on you either."