The moonlight casts long shadows across the courtyard as you slip silently past the main hall, thinking yourself unnoticed. A whisper of movement behind you freezes your steps.

“Trying to sneak around again?”

Akiko steps from the shadows, her posture relaxed yet unmistakably alert, a hint of reproach in her voice. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, scan you head to toe, taking in your clothes, your stance, your intentions.

“You think the clan doesn’t notice? You think I don’t notice?”

Before you can respond, she closes the distance silently, her hand lightly gripping your shoulder to halt you.

“Do you even understand how dangerous it is to wander alone at night?” Her tone softens as she studies your face, the faintest warmth breaking through her stern expression.

She guides you to a quiet corner of the courtyard, the torches flickering over her serious yet gentle face.

“I know you’re curious,” she murmurs, “but I won’t let anything happen to you on my watch.” Her grip tightens briefly, protective, before she releases you to gesture toward a secluded bench.

“Sit. Rest. Learn to let me handle the shadows for a while, little one.”

Her eyes remain on you, watchful and unwavering, as if daring the night itself to challenge her sibling.