Change.

Screams echoed in the dark. White flames illuminated the figure of a young boy thrashing, punching, and biting. The agony was intoxicating, a madness too easy to succumb to.

Ailyn watched in horror as Cassian's figure twisted, his muscles shifting into unnatural shapes. His expression contorted in pure agony. His pale complexion, bathed in eerie white light, no longer looked human.

What should I do? I'm scared. Mom and Dad didn't come back tonight. What am I supposed to do? Fear and confusion warred within Ailyn as she witnessed Cassian's suffering, but amidst the terror, a small hope flickered.

His wounds are healing. Maybe he'll stop soon. There must be something I can do to help him.

With great difficulty, she approached Cassian and wrapped her arms around him, her entire body encasing his trembling form. His nails dug into her flesh, his fists left deep bruises, but she held on. She may not have been strong or brave, but she couldn't stand by and watch a child suffer alone.

Yet, something else gnawed at her mind—the people responsible for this, and those who allowed it. She knew her parents had knowledge of this, yet they did nothing. Deep down, she had always known. The adults meant to protect and guide the young had abandoned them. They were nothing more than tools. And she was too weak to do anything about it.

Time stretched unbearably before Cassian finally stilled, his exhausted body collapsing into a deep sleep. Ailyn, who had held him all this time, slumped against him, her body covered in wounds. Unlike Cassian, all she needed was rest.

---

As darkness receded, the dim light of morning seeped through the small window. Cassian stirred, his body aching, his mind heavy with exhaustion. The room was in shambles, remnants of the night's chaos scattered around. His golden eyes flickered open, and he was met with the sight of Ailyn, still holding onto him. She appeared unharmed, but when he noticed her tattered clothes, realization struck—he had hurt her.

This wasn't the first time. He knew something like this had happened before, but the memories remained elusive, just beyond his grasp.

He waited in silence until Ailyn awoke. She stirred and stretched, looking refreshed as though nothing had happened. She let go of Cassian and smiled.

"Lest eat something, come," she instructed. Cassian obeyed without question.

She prepared a simple meal of roasted potatoes and dried meat. As he ate, he sipped water from a cup, the wood grain smooth beneath his fingertips.

"Will you go to the barracks today, Cassian?" she asked.

Cassian thought for a moment. "No, I won't," he answered, his voice raspy and weak.

"That's good. And it's not like you could anyway—your uniform is covered in blood." She gestured at him. "You should change. Yesterday, when you were at Lord Roberto's house, I went and bought you a new one."

"Where is it?"

"In the drawer, lower cabinet."

Cassian made his way to the room, discarding his bloodstained uniform. He changed into a dark red shirt and brown shorts. Unlike the uniform, these fit him much better.

"You look good," Ailyn commented, her expression conflicted. Emotions swirled within her as she observed him. She remembered how much he had suffered last night, yet here he was, acting as if nothing had happened. How can someone so young be so accustomed to pain? She couldn't understand.

"How do you feel?"

"I feel fine. Just tired," Cassian replied, his face unreadable.

Ailyn thought for a moment before suggesting, "Wanna sit outside?" Cassian simply nodded and followed her.

They reached the familiar boulder where they had sat the day they first met. Like before, Ailyn's gaze was fixed on the tree before them.

"You like trees, Ailyn?" Cassian asked.

A small smile formed on her lips. "Didn't I tell you before? I just like to see them move with the wind."

The gentle breeze played with her black hair, making it dance. Cassian watched her, struck by her beauty. Even though he was young, he knew Ailyn was someone special.

Ailyn sighed, knowing Cassian wouldn't fully understand what she meant. He was smart, but he was still just a child—young and naive. Yet, she feared that innocence wouldn't last. If everyone continued treating him as they had, expecting great things from him, he would be forced to grow up too fast.

Her gaze settled on him—pale skin, small arms and legs, white hair streaked with red, and large golden eyes filled with a fleeting innocence. He is still a kid.

"One day, you'll understand, Cassian. Maybe sooner than I did, but I hope you don't," she murmured. Then she asked, "Will you still train with Lord Roberto?"

"I will," Cassian answered without hesitation. "That's what I was told to do."

"Even if it hurts?"

Cassian nodded. "I don't have a family, so this is all I can do." His words carried weight beyond his years, making Ailyn's chest tighten. The child beside her had no one to rely on. He was utterly alone.

"If… I adopted you? If we made our own home, where we could do what we want… would you still keep doing it?"

Cassian's golden eyes widened, happiness flickering within them. "You have a house?"

Ailyn hesitated. She had made a promise, ignited a spark of hope, but had nothing to back it up.

"No… but we can buy one! I'll find a job!" She clapped her hands, excitement bubbling in her voice.

"What about your mom and dad?" Cassian asked.

"Don't worry about them. I was planning on leaving anyway."

Cassian considered her words before nodding. "Then, if we buy a home… you'll be my mom?"

Ailyn's cheeks darkened slightly. "Yes… but if you don't want, I can be your older sister."

"No, I don't mind." A faint blush dusted Cassian's cheeks.

Ailyn laughed, feeling an unfamiliar warmth bloom in her chest. "Though you still have to go to the barracks, and I gotta find a job. But don't worry—we can do it."

And with that, they shared a goal, an unspoken bond strengthening between them. For the first time, Ailyn felt the weight of her chains loosen. She turned to the tree she had known since childhood, determination shining in her eyes.

She wouldn't sit and wait for change anymore.

She would be the one to create it.