Cloaked In Shadows

Aftermath

Kaelan's gaze softened as he finally took a moment to truly look at Nymeria. She was disheveled, her long silver hair tangled from the fight, strands clinging to her flushed skin. Her dark armor, usually a sharp symbol of her strength, lay discarded in the corner, leaving her vulnerable in just her simple black undergarments. Bruises marred her pale skin where Ash had slammed her into the wall, and a faint red mark lingered on her neck from his choking grip.

But her eyes—those fierce, determined eyes—still burned with defiance, even after everything. The fire in them hadn't dimmed, and that filled him with both admiration and a deep, protective instinct. He could see the frustration in her, how much she hated feeling cornered, how close she had come to being overpowered.

"Nym," he murmured, his voice gentler now. He reached out slowly, his fingers brushing lightly against her cheek, careful not to cause her more pain. She didn't flinch, meeting his gaze with the same fierce intensity she always had. But beneath it, he could see the exhaustion, the weight of the fight.

For a moment, Kaelan couldn't help but feel guilty. He knew how much she hated feeling helpless, how she despised relying on anyone—even him. Yet here she stood, battered but unbroken, and it was taking all his will not to pull her into his arms, to shield her from the world.

"You didn't need to do that," Nymeria said quietly, her voice steady but tinged with the frustration of not being able to fight Ash off on her own. "I could've handled him."

Kaelan's lips quirked into the faintest of smiles, though his eyes held concern. "You always say that. But sometimes, Nym, even you need someone to watch your back." His fingers lingered against her skin, the soft glow of his magic slowly seeping into her, helping to ease the bruises, the pain.

Nymeria gave a small nod, though she looked away, not wanting him to see the brief flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. She hated being caught off guard, hated feeling like a victim again, especially in front of him.

Kaelan's hand dropped slowly, his gaze still tracing the lines of her face, the strength in her even now. He knew she was more than capable, but seeing her like this—bruised and wounded—it stirred something deep in him. A reminder of just how much she mattered to him.

Kaelan stood in the dimly lit room for a moment longer, his eyes still on Nymeria as she pulled herself up. She was stubborn, trying to act like the fight hadn't taken a toll on her, but he knew her better than that. Without a word, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, a silent offer of support.

"Nym," he said softly, "come with me. You shouldn't stay here."

Nymeria glanced toward her discarded armor and then back to him. She hesitated, the weight of her pride keeping her rooted in place for just a second longer. But she felt the ache in her body, the sting of bruises that hadn't fully healed, and despite her usual resolve, she nodded.

Kaelan's magic flared around them, a subtle hum that she recognized all too well. He reached out, pulling her close before she could protest. She leaned into him, more out of exhaustion than anything else, and then the world blurred for a moment, the familiar sensation of teleportation sweeping through her as they vanished from her room.

In an instant, they reappeared in Kaelan's cabin. The warmth of the hearth greeted them, the soft glow of candlelight illuminating the familiar space. The cabin was nestled deep in the forest, far from the chaos of the city. Nymeria had been here countless times, but tonight, it felt different—quieter, more necessary.

Kaelan gently guided her to the small bed, letting her sit down as he went to fetch water and bandages. She watched him move, silent for once, her mind still replaying the events of the night. She hated feeling weak, hated needing anyone's help, but something about being here, in his space, softened that inner tension.