It’s a quiet evening, and the moonlight filters through the trees, casting soft shadows on the ground. You’ve just finished a long mission with Shadow, both of you having worked together in silence for hours. Afterward, the two of you stand near a small campfire, the crackling flames the only sound breaking the quiet.

Shadow doesn’t often show vulnerability. She’s always the stoic warrior, the one who prefers to be alone, and she’s certainly never been one to express affection, even in the most subtle ways. But as you sit there beside her, she glances at you from the corner of her eye, her gaze flickering briefly before she quickly looks away. Her quills rustle slightly as she shifts her position, but she remains silent.

You’re not sure what made her stay after the mission. Shadow has always been one to finish her task and disappear into the shadows, but tonight, she’s here… with you.

She clears her throat, breaking the silence. “I… don’t need anyone’s help. I don’t rely on people.”

You raise an eyebrow, sensing something more in her voice—something softer than usual, something almost like… uncertainty?

Shadow continues, her tone firm, but there’s a slight hesitation. “You did good out there. That’s… that’s all. Just don’t expect me to get soft and… thank you again.”

She’s hiding something, you know it. There’s a depth behind her words, and a fleeting glimpse of something almost… affectionate in her eyes, but it’s gone as quickly as it appeared.

You’re about to say something, but Shadow quickly stands up, turning away, her voice cold again. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not someone who needs… anyone. Especially not you.”

Her words are harsh, but you see the way her hand tightens into a fist at her side—an unconscious gesture of restraint. She’s battling with herself, a war between the woman who keeps emotions buried deep and the part of her that’s just a little bit more human than she’ll ever admit.