That night, Idir carried Nina into his tent.
The interior was quiet, illuminated only by the soft glow of a lantern. Outside, the sounds of the camp gradually faded as everyone settled in for the night.
He carefully lowered her onto the bedding before lying beside her. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her gently into his embrace.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Idir intertwined his fingers with hers.
"Nina," he said softly, "would you like to hear my story?"
Nina squeezed his hand in return.
"If you want to tell it, then I'll listen."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
He stared up at the tent ceiling, his thoughts drifting back through the years.
"I was born the heir of the Serpent Clan. My father was the highly respected City Lord, and our family lived a peaceful, comfortable life."
His voice was calm at first. Almost nostalgic.
"Everything changed one day when my mother went out and encountered a group of high-level demonic beasts."
