Aria covered her mouth as she yawned, turning on her bed to glance out the window.
Her eyes widened.
Afternoon already?
She had slept far longer than she'd planned. But after the last few draining days—healing Rayan, healing the wolf, collapsing—her body had demanded the rest. Still, the knowledge that strangers now filled her hut made her uneasy.
Her grandmother's warnings echoed like whispers in the back of her mind.
Stay away from them. They're dangerous. They'll take everything.
Not all the newcomers seemed openly hostile, but Tristan's disdain was unmistakable. Aria still shuddered at the memory of him pushing her away from Rayan when he was injured.
Then came the memory of Rayan himself.
Last night at the meal, he had seemed... kind. He had placed water by her hand, helped her when she choked. There was a gentleness in him, even if his words were foreign. But then—there were also moments when he was cold, harsh.
Why does he change so much?
If only she could understand their language. Everything would be so much easier.
With a small sigh, Aria pushed her thoughts aside and climbed out of bed.
Outside her room, the hut was bustling. From the kitchen came the scent of food—savory and warm. Two men were preparing something together, their movements practiced and easy.
But Rayan wasn't among them.
Her gaze drifted, scanning the hut. Though a flicker of disappointment stirred in her chest, she tried to distract herself.
In the courtyard, she noticed the middle-aged man sitting calmly, sharpening something in his lap.
Aria approached slowly, curiosity outweighing her nerves. She squatted beside him and peered at his hands. The blade in them glinted beneath the sunlight. He glanced at her briefly but said nothing, returning to his task.
She watched, fascinated by the fluid motion of his sharpening. The sword gleamed, strong and beautiful.
When he finally finished, Maxim stood, set the blade down beside him, and walked toward the kitchen.
Aria remained, staring at the sword.
It was… majestic.
An odd thrill ran through her.
Would he let me hold it? She bit her lip in hesitation, but her curiosity burned.
No one was watching.
Tentatively, she reached for the handle.
The sword was heavier than she'd expected. Still, she managed to lift it, the weight both foreign and strangely exhilarating. Her lips curved into a smile—hesitant, almost childlike.
Was this what power felt like?If I had something like this… would they include me?
Maybe if she were stronger—fiercer—they wouldn't treat her differently.
Lost in the moment, Aria didn't hear the footsteps returning.
She didn't see Rayan until he was already inside.
His voice cut through the air.
"Aria!"
She froze.
The sword slipped from her fingers and fell to the ground with a sharp clatter. Her heart pounded as she turned to face him.
Rayan's face was tense. His brow furrowed, his jaw set.
She lowered her head instinctively, adopting the innocent posture that had sometimes helped her when she upset her grandmother.
But it didn't help now.
Rayan strode toward her, frustration clouding his features.
"You lifted this? With your strength?" he scolded, his voice sharp. "What if it had fallen on you?"
Her lips trembled. Tears prickled at her eyes.
"L… Li hontey," she whispered—I'm sorry.
He wouldn't understand the words, but she hoped the tone would carry her apology.
She hadn't meant to anger him. She just… wanted to feel a little stronger. A little less useless. And she missed the version of him who had looked at her with softness in his eyes.
But now, Rayan turned away and called out.
"Maxim!"
The older knight returned quickly, confusion etched on his face.
"My Lord?"
Rayan pointed to the sword on the ground.
"Why did you leave it here?" His voice was cold, clipped.
Maxim's gaze shifted between Aria and the blade. Realization dawned.
"I… I had just gone to fetch some water," he explained.
But Rayan didn't let him finish. His frustration simmered visibly, directed more at the situation than anyone in particular.
Then he turned back to Aria.
But the damage was done.
Aria's face crumpled. Shame washed over her in waves. Were they going to hide their things now? Keep everything away from her?
She bit her lip hard, but the tears came anyway, falling in hot, silent drops down her cheeks.
"Aria…" Rayan panicked.
But she had already turned.
She bolted back to her room, the door slamming behind her with a quiet finality.
Rayan stood there for a long moment, staring at the closed door.
He ran a hand down his face and let out a long breath.
Regret flickered in his eyes.
Why did he keep making her cry?