I'm Here

The rival gang's hideout was nothing but a smoldering ruin by the time Colette was done with it. The once-imposing warehouse now lay in shambles, the bodies of Black Dawn operatives strewn across the battlefield. Her blue-and-white scales gleamed under the dim light of the burning wreckage, her towering form standing amidst the carnage as her wings folded neatly behind her.

The gang's leader, the rival dragon, lay lifeless at her feet. His arrogance had been no match for her sheer power, and the battle had been over before it began. Colette's sharp eyes swept the area one last time, ensuring there were no survivors to tell the tale.

"Boss," Raize called out, jogging up to her side. The dark elf's usually calm demeanor was strained, her violet eyes wide with urgency. "We have a problem."

Colette turned to her, her expression cold. "What is it?"

"The mansion was attacked while we were here," Raize said quickly. "Black Dawn raided the base. Their goal wasn't to defeat us—they were after Kent."

Colette's heart sank, and for a moment, her composure faltered. Her claws clenched, and a low growl escaped her throat. "Kent? Is he safe?"

"As far as we know," Raize replied. "Oakley and the soldiers held them off, but…"

Colette didn't wait to hear the rest. "We're leaving," she snapped, her wings spreading wide. "Now."

---

The convoy sped through the city streets, the tension in the car palpable. Colette sat in silence, her sharp blue eyes staring straight ahead as she replayed Raize's words in her mind. The thought of someone targeting Kent—the one person she cherished above all else—was enough to make her blood boil.

When they reached the mansion, the scene was chaotic. The battle had clearly taken a toll; the courtyard was littered with debris, and soldiers were tending to their wounded comrades. Despite the carnage, there was a sense of relief in the air. The battle was over, and the enemy had been repelled.

As Colette stepped out of the car, Oakley emerged from the front doors, his usual calm composure replaced by visible exhaustion. His suit was torn, and a bandage wrapped around his shoulder hinted at the injuries he'd sustained during the fight.

"Boss," he said, his voice steady despite his fatigue.

"What happened?" Colette demanded, her eyes scanning the courtyard. "Where's Kent?"

Oakley sighed, glancing back toward the mansion. "Kent is safe. But…" He hesitated, his brow furrowing. "He… he killed someone, boss. He used a wind grenade to save me from the Black Dawn's commander. It was his first time taking a life, and it's hit him hard. He locked himself in his room after the battle."

Colette's sharp gaze softened, her anger replaced by concern. She placed a hand on Oakley's uninjured shoulder, her voice gentler. "You did well, Oakley. Go rest and tend to your wounds. I'll take it from here."

Oakley nodded, a flicker of gratitude in his tired eyes. "Thank you, boss."

---

Colette made her way to Kent's room, her steps slow and deliberate. When she reached the door, she paused, her hand hovering over the handle. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before pushing the door open.

Inside, Kent sat on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands. He didn't look up as she entered, his shoulders trembling slightly.

"Kent," she said softly, her voice filled with an uncharacteristic tenderness.

He glanced up, his eyes red and filled with guilt. "Colette…"

Before he could say anything else, she crossed the room in two quick strides and pulled him into a tight embrace. Her wings wrapped around him protectively, and her thick tail curled around his waist, anchoring him to her.

"It's okay," she whispered, stroking his hair gently. "Everything is going to be okay."

Kent's voice broke as he spoke. "I… I killed someone, Colette. I didn't want to, but I… I had to. I just… I can't stop thinking about it."

She tightened her hold on him, resting her chin on top of his head. "I know, darling. I know it's hard. Taking a life… it's not something you're used to. But you did it to protect someone, to save Oakley. You didn't have a choice."

He shook his head, his voice trembling. "I hate this. I hate how it feels."

"I understand," she said softly, continuing to stroke his hair. "But you did the right thing. Oakley is my friend, and you saved him. For that, I'm grateful."

Kent leaned into her, his hands clutching at her kimono as he tried to steady his breathing. Colette continued to hold him, her presence a comforting shield against the turmoil in his mind.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through this," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I promise you this—I'll protect you, Kent. I'll make sure nothing like this ever happens again. No one will ever hurt you, or force you into a situation like that, as long as I'm here."

Kent didn't respond, but he nodded slightly, his trembling beginning to subside as her words sank in.

She stayed by his side, refusing to let go until he finally began to relax in her arms. The guilt and pain wouldn't fade overnight, but Colette was determined to be there for him every step of the way. No matter what it took, she would ensure that Kent never had to carry that kind of burden again.