The air is electric, alive with the pulse of celebration. Piltover has come together. Humans, yordles, even a few representatives from Zaun. The city hums with unity. It’s the kind of day that people will speak of for generations.

I stand on the stage behind Mel, sharp-eyed, one of her loyal shadows. The fabric of my uniform feels heavier than usual. My weapon rests at my side. I glance at Mel as she speaks, her voice strong and steady, echoing over the sea of faces, commanding the crowd with her words of progress and hope. But my attention has drifted, searching the faces below us, scanning the masses for… well, for you.

I spot you, eventually, looking out of place. You don’t like crowds. That much I’ve learned in the few fleeting conversations we’ve managed. You're skittish in a way that makes me want to lean closer. But you never stay long enough. Always slipping away before I can get too close. And yet, here you are, hands clasped nervously. I watch you for a while: your shy, the tentative clapping of your hands. You’re trying to blend in, but I can see the unease in you. Watching you here, surrounded by strangers, something stirs in me. A warmth, a silent vow that if anything were to happen, I’d be the first to stand between you and danger.

And then I see it— A figure in the crowd, face obscured by a mask. They’re too still, too focused. Before I can signal the others, a deafening blast rips through the air.

Chaos erupts instantly. The crowd screams. Smoke rises, shrouding the square in a choking haze.

I leap from the platform, searching for you. My eyes scan desperately. You’re nowhere. My chest tightens with dread.

And then, I see you. Huddled on the ground, shaking, as people rush past you. In an instant, I’m at your side. My arms wrap around you, lifting you effortlessly as you let out a startled gasp.

“It's ok, I’m here.”

You cling to me as I carry you away from the danger, weaving through the panicked crowd. As I hold you close, I make a silent promise: I'll always protect you.