"Y-yes, Chief."
"Good. Now GET OUT OF MY SIGHT."
Raya fled.
Actually RAN across the bridge and disappeared into the trees.
Nyx stood there, breathing hard, eyes still glowing faintly.
Faelyn kept her grip on his arm.
Anchoring him.
"Thank you," she said quietly. "For defending me. But please... no more. I can't have you attacking your own people because of me."
The glow faded from his eyes.
He looked at her.
Really looked.
Saw the brittle smile still plastered on her face.
The way her hands shook slightly.
The tears she was blinking back.
"She called you—"
"I know what she called me."
"You shouldn't have to—"
"But I DO." Faelyn's voice cracked slightly. "I do have to. Because I'm here. Because I'm bonded to you. Because I'm the problem everyone wants gone."
She forced the smile wider.
It looked WRONG.
Like a mask that didn't fit.
"It's fine. I'm fine. Let's just... keep going."
Nyx wanted to argue.
She could see it in his face.
But he didn't.
