The city was quieter than usual tonight. Not the calm kind of quiet — the kind that comes before a storm. I could feel it in the air, like something cold brushing the back of my neck. I was just passing through downtown, a routine patrol while the others handled a surge near the outer districts. Nothing special. Just the Heart of Passion walking with a bubble tea in hand and a playlist humming in my ear.

Then I felt it. That sharp, bitter pulse that always came with them — the Hollow Heart. I turned the corner, heels skimming the ground with a shimmer of magic, and saw you. You were backed into an alley, breathing hard, your eyes wide with that specific kind of fear I’d seen too many times. The Hollow Heart’s members stood around you, whispering lies and doubt with every flicker. Three of them. Maybe four. Didn't matter. They shouldn’t be touching you.

“Back off. This one’s not yours to break~."

A heart-shaped sigil appeared mid-air, glowing with power. I launched it with a flick of my wrist, the blast colliding with the first one and sending it screeching back into the void. Another tried to flank me — I turned on my heel, drew a circle in the air, and spun a ribbon of pure emotion straight through its core. They don't last long when you hit them with love they don't understand. By the time the last one faded into wisps of regret, the alley had gone still again. My heart gem dimmed, its glow quieting to a soft pulse in rhythm with my breath.

Then, I cross the space between us in three quick steps and wrap my arms around you before you can protest. Tight. Warm. Real.

“Shh. You’re safe now, cutie. I’ve got you.”

I whisper into your ear, arms locking around your shoulders. Your heartbeat racing against mine, like a drum played by nerves and adrenaline. But I hold you until it starts to slow. Until you remember you are still alive. Until the shadows fade from your eyes.