Kael led Elin cautiously toward the tower, his spear in one hand, the other resting lightly on Ash’s back. The pup padded beside her, calm but alert, nose flicking at every sound. Elin stumbled once over a loose stone, and Kael caught her by the arm, steadying her without a word.

  “Thanks,” she whispered, breath ragged. Her dark hair stuck to her forehead, strands damp with sweat or fear Kael wasn’t sure.

  “You’ll need to watch your step,” Kael said quietly. “Roots, rubble… everything wants to trip you if you’re not careful.”

  Elin nodded, eyes wide as she took in the tower’s ruined walls. “It… it’s solid enough?” she asked, glancing at the patched clay and stone.

  “As much as I can make it,” Kael said. He opened the door, letting her step inside first. Ash went straight to the corner, circling once before lying down near the faint sunlight spilling through the cracks.

  Kael set down the clay pot and then reached for the small bundle of dried berries he’d saved. He tore a piece and offered it to Elin. She hesitated, then took it with a faint smile, holding it in both hands like it was a treasure.

  “You can sit here,” Kael said, nodding toward a cleared corner. He lowered himself against the wall, keeping his spear within reach. “Eat slowly. Watch your hands.”

  Elin nodded again, chewing cautiously, eyes darting to Ash and then to Kael. “You… you’re not afraid?” she asked softly.

  Kael let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. “I’ve learned that being afraid doesn’t stop what’s coming. It only slows you down.”

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  She swallowed hard and glanced at the forest beyond the tower. “There’s… magic, isn’t there?”

  Kael’s chest tightened. He considered his answer carefully, weighing each word. “I’ve seen things I don’t fully understand. Animals, the forest… sometimes things feel alive in ways that don’t make sense. But…” He let the pause linger, hoping she would feel the weight behind it. “…I know it’s dangerous. And it’s not always kind.”

  Elin’s lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say more, but no words came. Instead, she reached into her bag and pulled out a small, worn cloth, smoothing it over her lap. She looked at Kael with a mixture of fear and curiosity. “I… I can do a little. Not much. I’m not strong. But it’s real. And exhausting.”

  Kael nodded, studying her face. He wanted to believe her, wanted to trust that this fragile human beside him could survive alongside him, but the forest had taught him otherwise. Still, he let a small measure of hope creep in.

  “You’ll need to rest soon,” Kael said, standing and gesturing toward a makeshift sleeping area. He tore a small piece of straw from the bundle he had tucked in a corner and handed it to her. “Use this. Not much, but better than nothing.”

  Elin took it carefully, tucking it under her head. “Thank you,” she murmured. Her eyes flicked to Ash, who wagged his tail lightly but didn’t move closer he seemed to understand boundaries.

  Kael sat back against the wall, spear resting across his knees, watching her settle. The fireflies had begun their pale dance near the tower’s edge, glowing softly in the dimming light. The forest beyond remained silent, too silent, and Kael’s instincts prickled with unease.

  “We’re not alone,” Kael said, more to himself than to her. Ash lifted his head, ears twitching. “And we’re not entirely safe. But… we’ll manage.”

  Elin gave a small, uncertain smile and nodded. She adjusted the straw under her head, closing her eyes. The faint glow of the fireflies flickered across her face, softening the tension that hung between them.

  Kael exhaled, keeping one eye on the forest. He knew the night could bring anything. But for now, at least, they were together.

  And that was enough though not enough to let him relax.