Echoes of the Concealed Realm

29

Kai's heart skipped a beat at Mira's revelation. The gravity of her words hung heavy in the air, filling him with a mixture of shock and concern. But even as the weight of her confession settled upon him, he couldn't find it in himself to turn away from her.

"Mira," He said softly, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "I can't pretend to understand what you're going through. But attacking Ahana... that's not the answer."

"You cannot change my mind. It's been made. My sole reason to be here is to grow stronger so I can finish what they started."

Kai's brow furrowed as he processed Mira's words, a surge of realization washing over him. Ahana wasn't just a piece of land; it was their home, their sanctuary. But even as the truth dawned on him, his concern for Mira only deepened.

"Mira," he said gently, his voice laced with a mix of understanding and apprehension. "Attacking Ahana won't solve anything. It'll only bring pain and suffering to more people."

Mira's eyes flashed with a fierce determination as she turned to face him, her stance still firm "Kai, you don't understand. Ahana is your home. A place which wouldn't let orphans get recognized is not any home of mine. I will bring justice to Elias."

Kai's heart ached at the desperation in her voice, at the weight of the burden she carried. He knew that Mira felt betrayed, that she longed to reclaim what was rightfully Elias' right as a ninja in their kingdom. But he couldn't condone violence, especially against their own people.

"Mira, I know how much Ahana means to you," He said softly with his unwavering gaze. "You're being blurred out by anger. Sure it has problematic and hateful people, but not everyone is like that. People Elias loved with all his heart also live there. Ahana is his home too Mira. There has to be another way, a way to establish your demands without causing harm."

Mira's jaw tensed as she shook her head, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination as she remembered her father's words and the way he had promised to treat Elias. "I knew you wouldn't agree with me, I don't expect you to. Leave Kai, please."

Kai's heart sank at her words, realizing that he couldn't dissuade her from her path. But even as he braced himself for the challenges ahead, he made a silent vow to himself: he would do everything in his power to protect Ahana, to defend their home from harm, even if it meant standing against the woman he loved.

But also the realization of how his love for her couldn't decrease, hit him. She could take a sword and stab it right through his heart and it'll still keep beating just for her.

"I can't change your mind?"

She would change her mind if she kept looking at those eyes. She turned around and shook her head, "My life's purpose is that and that only. I'll destroy Ahana and I'll die getting to my goal if necessary."

Kai let out a small laugh, "You think I'll let you do any of that?"

"You'll fight me?" Mira asked, still not looking into his eyes.

"I'll fight you to protect Ahana, I'll stop you and ensure that there won't be able single scratch on your body because I can't let you get hurt either. That's how much you mean to me Mira. I'm still asking you, come back home with me. Forget all this." He tried again as she shook her head.

"I'll call Sorsha. Take her with you." Mira frowned and walked away. She had pretty much known that Kai would be there fighting for Ahana when she attacked but now she felt nervous about whether she'd actually be able to get through him cause one, he's strong and two, she also does not want to hurt him.

Kai grabbed her hand causing her to stop, facing his opposite direction.

"Attack Ahana all you want, I'll still always be here for you. Midst your venture, if you change your mind call for me. Even if you start attacking and in between that you change your mind, call for me. If you succeed and you want me to be there, call for me. Always, whenever you feel the need you can call for me. I'll be there for you I promise." Kai said. Mira's eyes watered at his words.