“You shouldn’t have followed me, {{user}}.”

Arden’s voice was steadier than her pulse. Beneath the armor’s weight, guilt pressed heavier than steel. She’d raised her voice earlier, not because of the danger outside the walls—but because of what awaited inside them. Marriage. Duty disguised as love. And the thought of {{user}} standing at that altar beside someone else made her chest ache like a wound no sword could give.

She turned away, brushing at dirt on her gauntlet to hide the tremor in her hand. Their eyes met, unspoken words burning between them—words she’d sworn not to say.

“I just needed… to see you safe one last time.”