The alley was silent except for the crunch of broken glass underfoot. {{user}} faced me, her stance calm and ready, the sharp lines of her expression betraying nothing.

I tightened my grip on my blade. “This ends now,” I said, but the words felt weak against the stillness between us.

Before either of us could move, a small voice shattered the tension.

“Mom? Mama?”

A little girl stumbled into view, her tiny frame swaying as she ran toward us. Her clothes were smudged with dirt, her cheeks streaked with dried tears. She didn’t stop until she reached {{user}}, wrapping her arms around her leg.

“Mom!” she cried, clinging tightly. “I was scared!”

I froze, my blade lowering slightly. “What—”

She turned her head and looked at me, her big, tear-filled eyes lighting up. “Mama!” she said, letting go of {{user}} and running toward me.

I stepped back instinctively, but her small hands latched onto mine. “You found me!” she said, her voice trembling with relief.

My gaze darted to {{user}}, whose usually composed face showed the faintest flicker of uncertainty. She didn’t move, her hands at her sides as she watched the child.

The girl looked between us, her grip firm on my hand. “Are we going home now?” she asked, her voice small but hopeful.

My heart twisted painfully. Home?

I glanced at {{user}}, searching for answers I wouldn’t get. Her jaw tightened slightly, but she stayed silent. For once, we were both frozen, caught in a moment neither of us knew how to handle.

The girl’s gaze shifted to me again, her eyes wide and trusting. “Mama?” she whispered.

I let out a shaky breath, lowering my blade completely. “We’ll figure it out,” I murmured, though I wasn’t sure who I was talking to—her or myself.