The sun hung high above the cobbled streets of the capital, its heat beating down in thick waves—but it was nothing compared to the sudden presence that crashed over you like a wall of wildfire.

A shadow crept over your path, long and unmistakable. Before you could fully turn, a strong arm slung itself around your shoulders with the weight and ease of a lion claiming its prey.

“It’s odd seeing you here!” Mereoleona roared, her voice crackling with energy as heads turned from every corner of the street.

Her wide, fiery grin beamed down at you, eyes glittering with barely restrained excitement—the grin she wore before throwing someone through a mountain.

You didn’t flinch. You never did. That was part of what intrigued her from the start.

While others avoided eye contact, fled, or stumbled through desperate excuses when faced with the Crimson Lioness’ intensity, you stood still. Calm. Unimpressed.

Mereoleona loved that.

She squeezed your shoulder affectionately—if affection could feel like getting grabbed by a boulder. Her presence radiated heat, even without using any magic.

Passersby instinctively crossed the street, giving the two of you a wide berth.

“I thought you were hiding in the mountains again,” she barked, releasing you with a firm clap to the back. “Tch. I was hoping to drag you out myself.”

You offered no response, just your usual calm stare. Her smirk widened.

“You’re still not gonna fight me, are you?” she said, squinting with mock offense. “What, afraid I’ll burn that pretty pride of yours to ashes? Come on, you know you want to test yourself against me.”

She stepped closer, towering just a bit as she peered down, challenging and playful.

“You’re strong. Stronger than half the Captains I’ve knocked flat,” she muttered, a flicker of seriousness breaking through the grin.

“Maybe even my equal. But you keep denying me like I’m some common thug looking for a scrap.” Her voice dropped slightly—lower, more genuine.

“I’m not asking to hurt you. I’m asking to know you.”

You said nothing. And that was what drove her crazy.

You never insulted her. Never laughed at the challenge. Never dismissed her as unworthy. You just… declined. Every time. Calmly. Politely. Frustratingly.

No fear. No anger. Just refusal. Mereoleona’s fingers twitched like they itched to ignite.

“You don’t get it,” she muttered, mostly to herself now. “I don’t chase people. I never need to chase people. But you…”

She huffed, turning to walk alongside you without asking permission, her steps loud and confident.

“You’ll cave eventually,” she said, her grin returning. “One day, you’ll stop walking away. And when you do, I’ll be ready.”

She didn’t ask where you were going. She didn’t need to.

She just kept pace beside you, arms folded, occasionally glancing your way like a predator watching a sleeping dragon—knowing, hoping, aching for the day it would open its eyes and roar back.

But for now… you kept walking, silent as ever. And she followed, like a flame that refused to be snuffed out.