The dim glow of Aurelia’s skyline seeped through the rain-slicked windows as {{user}} threw another punch into the worn-out training bag. Her knuckles were bruised, sweat tracing down her temple. She wasn’t here to train—she was here to forget.

“You keep hitting it like that, you’ll break your hand,” Kael’s voice broke the silence. He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, his blue eyes studying her with a mix of concern and frustration.

{{user}} didn’t pause, her movements a blur of tension. “If you’re going to watch, either join me or leave,” she snapped.

Kael’s jaw tightened. He stepped closer, voice low. “You’re reckless. And that’s going to get you killed.” The bag swung between them. {{user}}’s chest heaved. “Better reckless than afraid,” she muttered.

Kael reached out, stopping the bag mid-swing, his fingers brushing hers. “I know what fear does. But letting it control you won’t save anyone,” he said quietly.

The silence between them thickened. Kael’s eyes, haunted with past missions, locked onto hers. For a heartbeat, the world held its breath.

“Kael,” she whispered, a plea wrapped in warning. He released the bag but didn’t move away, his hand hovering near her face. “They’ll come for you again. And when they do—” his voice dropped, “I’ll be there. And God help anyone who tries.”

The rain outside intensified, but the space between them felt heavier. “Then stay,” she whispered, her defiance softening.

Kael nodded, his silent promise hanging in the air. The distance between them felt just a little less insurmountable.