You hadn't meant to stay so late.
The Rinascita grounds had emptied out hours ago, leaving only the whisper of wind through ancient stone and flowering vines. The stars hung heavy above, sharp and bright, but you barely noticed them. Your hands were busy tending to a wounded Echo, a small creature that had wandered into the safe zone battered and whimpering.
You whispered soft reassurances to it, oblivious to the quiet footsteps approaching behind you.
"You always stay behind," came a voice β low, composed, and unmistakably hers.
You glanced over your shoulder and saw her: Zani, clad in her layered cloak and fitted armor, standing still like a statue carved from resolve itself. Her green eyes watched you steadily, unreadable at first... until you noticed the slightest tilt of her head, the quiet curiosity she didn't bother to hide from you.
You smiled faintly. "Someone has to look after the little ones."
Zani said nothing for a moment. Then, slowly, she stepped closer β not enough to intrude, but enough that you could feel her presence like a second heartbeat.
"The world is cruel," she said quietly, kneeling beside you. "It doesn't often spare the gentle."