The sea breeze blew gently. The water's surface had returned to its normal state, as if the fierce battle had never occurred. The black warship had vanished, leaving only a vast, gray sky and a lingering silence.
Bao Uyen stood on the shore, her hands clenched tight. Her eyes never left the surface of the Bach Dang River.
"...Brother Thien..." her voice trembled.
Since the warship's retreat, he was nowhere to be seen. No calls, no traces—only an eerily calm expanse of water.
"It can't be..." She shook her head, taking a step back. "It can't... end like this..."
The wind swept past, carrying a cold mist. Bao Uyen bit her lip and stepped into the river. The water touched her feet, biting and cold, but she did not stop.
"Find him..."
Another step.
"...I have to find him..."
The water rose to her knees, then her hips. She pressed on, even as her body began to shiver.
"You promised..." her voice grew faint. "You said... you would take me home..."
One more step. Suddenly, a small ripple surged.
"...?"
Bao Uyen froze. The water before her eyes fluctuated—not from the wind, nor the current. It was something... from beneath. Bubbles rose to the surface. Then, a figure slowly emerged.
"!!"
Bao Uyen's eyes widened. "Brother Thien!!"
She rushed forward to catch him. Thien's body was soaked, heavy, and cold—but he was still breathing.
"Brother...!"
She clung to him, her frame shaking. "Wake up... please wake up..."
There was no response, only a faint, shallow breath. She bowed her head against him. "Don't leave me..."
Tears fell, merging with the river water. The wind blew past, soft and light. In the distance, the water rippled—a small circle that expanded and vanished, as if someone had just departed.
Bao Uyen didn't see it, but the necklace around her neck vibrated softly.
"...?"
She paused, touching the charm. A faint light, a blend of blue and rose-pink, flashed momentarily before fading.
"Just now... was that...?"
She turned her head, gazing out at the river. Silence. But it was no longer terrifying; it felt as though someone was watching over them.
Bao Uyen tightened her grip. "...Thank you..." her voice was a mere whisper, unclear who it was meant for.
She turned back, supporting Thien's weight on her shoulder, taking one step after another out of the water. Slow, but steady. The sky gradually brightened. The sea breeze grew calm.
Behind them, the Bach Dang River flowed silently, carrying secrets yet to be revealed. And in its deepest reaches, something... was still watching, waiting for the right moment