Snow fell softly over the mountain village as Kaen's group settled into the warm, timber lodge nestled among the pines. The crisp winter air was laced with the scent of pine and smoke. Rourke, standing at the door with arms folded, greeted them with a rare smile.
"Welcome home, kid," he said, ruffling Kaen's hair as the others entered. "Don't break anything."
Lirien lingered at the doorway, eyes narrowing slightly at the former S-rank hunter. Rourke raised an eyebrow. "You must be Lirien."
She nodded coolly. "I don't usually accept invitations—but Kaen insisted."
Rourke chuckled. "Then I expect trouble."
Inside, the lodge was spacious and rustic, filled with old hunting memorabilia and ancient swords mounted above the hearth. Zian wandered curiously through the rooms, pausing to study an old photo of Rourke as a young hunter.
"He's the real deal," Kaen said, appearing behind her. "He once fought a hydra alone. Lost a leg, won the fight."
"He raised you?" she asked, glancing at him.
Kaen shrugged. "He kept me from burning the world. That counts for something."
The evening brought warmth and laughter. Mira baked cinnamon bread with Rourke's help. Leon tried to teach Kyel how to play cards—and failed spectacularly. Zian found herself reluctantly smiling more than usual.
Meanwhile, Lirien sat alone by the window, sipping hot tea, her red eyes tracking Kaen. He was different here—relaxed, even…kind. She didn't understand why that bothered her.
Later, as the group prepared for bed, Kaen found her still seated.
"You haven't moved," he said, sitting beside her.
"It's peaceful," she replied.
"Not what you expected?"
"Not from you."
Kaen looked at her, then out the window. "Even darkness likes warmth, sometimes."
Lirien's lips curved slightly. "You're not what I expected."
He turned to her, eyes glowing faintly crimson. "That's the point."
Outside, the snow continued to fall—but within the walls of the lodge, a fragile, quiet warmth had begun to take root.
And for the first time in years, Lirien felt something she hadn't allowed herself in a long time: curiosity.