The battlefield was eerily silent now. The clashing of steel, the cries of war—they had faded into the night, leaving only the crackle of distant fires and the low murmurs of soldiers tending to the wounded.
Kaelith stood atop a ridge overlooking the field, the cool breeze ruffling his dark hair. His armor bore the marks of battle—scratches, dents, dried blood—but he stood tall, victorious.
Seraphine approached, her own attire stained with war. She did not speak at first, merely standing beside him, watching as their banners flew high over the conquered land.
"You fought well today," Kaelith finally said, his voice softer than usual.
Seraphine smirked, though there was no mockery in it. "I told you—I was born for war."
He turned to her, his gaze searching. "And yet, you take no joy in it."
She exhaled, glancing at the fires burning in the distance. "Victory is necessary. But joy? No. Not in this."
Kaelith studied her for a long moment before reaching for her hand. He did not pull her close, did not make any grand gesture. He simply held it, warm and solid against the chill of the night.
"For what it's worth," he murmured, his thumb brushing over her knuckles, "I prefer this—fighting with you, instead of against you."
Seraphine's breath caught slightly, but she did not pull away.
For the first time, there was no battle between them. No power struggle.
Just quiet understanding.
Just them.
To be continued…
---