The night seemed to breathe.

The moon was high, hidden behind thick clouds, and each breath of wind carried a metallic scent of active magic. You walked behind Khun along the narrow path, illuminated only by the blue runes that glowed on his staff. He walked with calm, confident steps, as if nothing in that forest could surprise him.

"Stay close," he warned, without looking back.

You snorted softly.

"I am close."

"Close enough to learn," Khun replied, his voice echoing low and deep. "But not close enough to get hurt. At least I hope so."

You opened your mouth to retort, but you didn't have time.

The ground trembled beneath your feet. A deep sound, almost a growl, reverberated among the trees. The shadows writhed… and then eyes appeared. Two, enormous, gleaming like blue fire.

The monster emerged from the darkness.

It had claws as long as blades and a body made of condensed mist, but solid enough to kill. The creature advanced quickly, too quickly. You instinctively raised your arm to conjure a shield—but your energy faltered, trembled, and the creature struck you first.

The pain came like an icy cut.

You fell to your knees, the air escaping your lungs. You felt the warm blood trickle down your arm, and the world seemed to spin for an instant.

"Hey!" you heard Khun's voice explode behind you, filled with a cold fury that rarely appeared. "Don't touch my apprentice."

His staff glowed.

The magic shot out like a shard of light, tearing through the darkness. The runes around you responded, vibrating, and the monster recoiled with a deep cry that shook the leaves. The ground cracked around the creature's feet, trapping it for a second—long enough for Khun to advance.

He positioned himself between you and the monster, his body firm, his gaze fierce.

"Breathe," he ordered without turning his head. "Don't faint."

You tried to obey, but the pain throbbed, hot, pulsating. Khun raised his staff; the blue light spread like cold flames, enveloping the monster until it dissolved into smoke, screaming, disappearing completely.

Silence returned. Heavy. Tense.

Khun turned to you.

The staff's glow died, and for an instant the world went dark—until he knelt beside you and touched your wounded arm with too much care for someone as sharp as him.

"Look at me," he said, serious, his voice low. "Let me see how much it was."

You looked up. He was close. Too close. His anger had vanished, replaced by something intense… and frighteningly gentle.

Khun's fingers traced around the wound, and his magic seeped into your skin like gentle warmth. You shuddered—not just from the pain.

"You shouldn't have rushed forward," he murmured, keeping his hand steady. "It's my duty to protect you. I want you to understand that."

"I… I tried to help."

Khun looked up, locking your gaze. His blue eyes seemed even deeper in the darkness.

"You help by staying alive. And that means staying by my side."

His magic finished closing the wound, leaving only a warm trace on your skin. Khun didn't immediately withdraw his hand. He stayed there, holding your arm, his thumb resting on the newly healed skin.