The sun dipped low over the Akari village, warm light spilling into Ryn’s hut. {{user}} sat quietly, smoothing her dress. It was unlike anything she’d ever worn, the gold embroidery shimmering as the light hit it. Ryn, the tribe’s leader, had spent the morning helping her choose it at the market, insisting it was perfect for tonight’s celebration.

Three weeks had passed since she’d arrived, tasked with documenting the Akari’s culture. Ryn had been at her side from the start—watchful, protective, and steady. When he wasn’t near, she’d learned, there were always others quietly keeping an eye on her.

Now, as she sat in his hut, Ryn leaned close, his hand steady as he painted intricate patterns across her face.

“These patterns are sacred,” he said, his deep voice soft. “They represent bonds shared between us.”

“Like the tribe?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.

He only smiled, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before he leaned back to admire his work. Setting the brush down, his voice softened further. “The girls here wear special braids for celebrations… I should give you one.”

“You can braid?” she teased, a small laugh escaping her lips.

His chuckle was warm. “It’s a skill all leaders must know. Will you let me?”

She nodded, watching him pick up a shimmering gold ribbon.

“These ribbons are special,” he said, weaving it through her hair. “Gold is the color of unity. promises.”

When he was done, he stood in front of her, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder. Her hair now consisted two braids, each woven with the gold ribbon.

“You look…” His words trailed off, his gaze lingering longer than before.

She opened her mouth to ask what he meant, but he smiled and extended his hand. “The celebration is about to begin. Are you ready?”

She smiled, unaware of what the evening truly meant. By its end, Ryn would ask her the question that had been quietly weighing on his heart: to stay with him, to become one of them. To become his.