Never Going Back

Wren's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with the unfamiliar sensation of being wrapped in someone's arms. She jolted upright, her heart racing, and realized she was curled up in Ryoko's embrace. Ryoko's warm smile and gentle gaze made Wren's cheeks flush with embarrassment.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Wren whispered, trying to extricate herself from Ryoko's hold.

Ryoko's eyes sparkled with amusement. "No need to apologize, Wren. You were shivering in your sleep, and I didn't want you to get cold."

Wren's embarrassment slowly gave way to a mix of emotions. She had only left the palace with Ryoko because she felt forced to, but now she felt a sense of responsibility to see it through. She thought of Rose, her concubine back in the palace, and the life she had left behind, but her mind was made up.

"Ryoko, I...I didn't want to leave the palace at first," Wren admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But now I feel like I have to see this through. I have to go to the camp and see what I can do to help."

Ryoko's expression turned proud. "That's the spirit, Wren! We need people like you, willing to take a stand and fight for what's right."

Wren's determination grew, and she nodded resolutely. "I won't let you down, Ryoko. I'll do whatever it takes to help the rebellion."

Ryoko's warm smile and nod of approval made Wren feel a sense of belonging and purpose. She knew she had made the right decision, even if it wasn't what she had wanted at first. Now, she was ready to face whatever lay ahead, side by side with Ryoko and the rebellion.

Wren lay back down, her body still shivering from the cold and her mind racing with thoughts. She curled into Ryoko's arms, seeking comfort and warmth. Ryoko's embrace tightened, holding her close as if sensing her distress.

Ryoko's gentle fingers traced the scars on Wren's arms, her touch sending shivers down Wren's spine. "Wren, the Empress...she hurt you badly, didn't she?" Ryoko's voice was soft, filled with compassion.

Wren's eyes welled up, tears spilling down her cheeks. She nodded, her voice barely audible. "Y-yes...she was cruel, Ryoko. She made me feel like I was nothing, like I was just a tool for her to use."

Ryoko's arms wrapped tighter around Wren, holding her close. She stroked Wren's hair, her fingers gentle and soothing. "Oh, Wren...you are so much more than that. You are strong, brave, and beautiful. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."

Ryoko's warm breath whispered against Wren's ear, "You're safe now, Wren. I won't let anyone hurt you again. You're free, and you'll always have a place with me."

Wren's tears fell harder, her body shaking with sobs. Ryoko's words struck a chord deep within her, resonating with a truth she had long forgotten. She felt a weight lifting, a burden she had carried for so long slowly easing off her shoulders.

As she cried, Ryoko held her, rocking her gently back and forth. She hummed a soft melody, a lullaby that seemed to match the rhythm of Wren's heart. Wren felt a sense of safety, of being protected and cared for, that she had never known before. And in that moment, she knew she would never go back to the palace, to the woman who had hurt her so deeply. She was free, and she would fight to stay that way.

Ryoko gazed down at Wren, her eyes tracing the gentle curves of her face. Wren's eyelashes fluttered in her sleep, and her lips curled into a soft smile. Ryoko's heart swelled with a warmth she couldn't ignore.

She had initially taken Wren in out of duty and compassion, but as the days passed, her feelings had evolved. Wren's strength, resilience, and determination had captivated Ryoko. She admired the way Wren faced challenges head-on, her courage and kindness inspiring Ryoko to be a better person.

As she watched Wren sleep, Ryoko realized she was falling in love with her. It wasn't just Wren's beauty or grace that drew her in; it was the depth of her soul, her capacity to love and forgive, and her unwavering optimism. Ryoko felt a sense of wonder, amazed by the way Wren made her feel.

Ryoko's fingers brushed a strand of hair behind Wren's ear, her touch gentle and reverent. She felt a sense of protectiveness, a desire to shield Wren from harm and ensure her happiness. As she gazed into Wren's peaceful face, Ryoko knew she would do everything in her power to make Wren's life better, to be the safe haven Wren deserved.

With a soft sigh, Ryoko settled in beside Wren, her arms wrapping around her in a gentle embrace. She closed her eyes, her heart filled with a newfound love and a promise to always cherish and support the woman she held dear.

The next morning, Ryoko gazed down at Wren, her heart skipping a beat. Wren's peaceful face and gentle snores made her look adorable, and Ryoko found herself hesitant to wake her. She didn't want to disturb this serene moment, fearing Wren might lose some of her charm upon waking.

But duty called, and Ryoko knew they had to get moving. She gently shook Wren's shoulder, trying to rouse her without startling her.

Wren groggily opened her eyes, her gaze blurry. "Wha' time's it?" she mumbled, her voice husky with sleep.

"It's morning," Ryoko replied softly. "We need to get going."

Wren groaned, snuggling deeper into her blanket. "But the sun's not even up yet... Can't we sleep a bit longer?"

Ryoko's face flushed, and she leaned in, her voice low and husky. "Breakfast will be ready soon," she whispered in Wren's ear.

Wren's eyes snapped open, and she sat up with a sudden jolt, her face brightening. "Oh, food! I'm starving!"

Ryoko chuckled, relieved Wren was up and moving. "Let's get packed, then. We have a long journey ahead."

As they prepared to leave, Ryoko couldn't help but steal glances at Wren, her heart still racing from their close proximity. She knew she had to keep her feelings hidden, but it was getting harder to deny the attraction she felt for the young woman by her side.

As they headed to breakfast, the savory aroma of roasting meat filled the air. Wren's stomach growled in anticipation, but her excitement was short-lived. Upon arriving at the campsite, she was met with the sight of a deer carcass, freshly skinned and prepared for cooking.

Wren's eyes widened, and her face paled. She felt a wave of nausea wash over her, her mind recoiling from the gruesome sight. She had never seen an animal carcass up close before, and the reality of where her food came from hit her like a punch to the gut.

Ryoko noticed Wren's distress and quickly stepped in, guiding her away from the sight. "Wren, come, let's get some breakfast. You don't have to watch this."

Wren nodded, still looking queasy. "I-I'm sorry, Ryoko. I just...I've never seen anything like that before."

Ryoko offered a gentle smile. "It's okay, Wren. Not everyone is used to this. Let's get you some food, and we'll get you feeling better."

As they sat down to eat, Wren tried to shake off the unsettling feeling, focusing on the delicious smell of roasting meat and the warmth of the campfire. But her gaze kept drifting back to the deer carcass, her mind struggling to reconcile the harsh reality of their situation.

After breakfast, Ryoko led Wren to her horse, a majestic black stallion. "Time to learn how to saddle up," Ryoko said, her voice low and husky.

Wren nodded, her heart racing as Ryoko stood behind her, guiding her hands. Ryoko's body pressed against her back, sending shivers down Wren's spine. She felt tense, her senses heightened as Ryoko's warm breath whispered instructions in her ear.

"As you tighten the girth, make sure it's snug but not too tight..." Ryoko's voice trailed off as Wren's hand brushed against hers.

Wren turned, her eyes locking onto Ryoko's. They stood frozen, the only sound the soft rustling of the horse's mane. Wren's gaze dropped to Ryoko's lips, her heart pounding with a sudden desire to kiss her.

Ryoko's eyes darkened, her pupils dilating as she gazed at Wren's parted lips. The air between them crackled with tension, the silence stretching into a palpable moment of longing.

Wren's voice barely whispered, "Ryoko..."

Ryoko's eyes snapped back to Wren's, her face inches from hers. "Wren?" she whispered, her voice low and husky.

The moment hung suspended, their lips almost touching, as the world around them melted away.