Chapter 124 - The Path Back

Date: Late August X788 — Same Night

Location: Eastern Forest Edge, Near South Ridge Camp

The rain had slowed to a drizzle, almost like it was too tired to keep going. In the forest, moonlight broke through gaps in the leaves, lighting up the narrow trail west. Teresa walked along it, her cloak heavy and dripping. Her hair stuck to her cheeks, her steps steady and quiet.

Each step felt like it absorbed the forest's sighs. Each breath she took was slow and controlled.

She could still feel the final fight on her skin — not as noise, but as a deep, steady hum inside her. The leader's last plea. The silent finish of her blade. The way the ravens scattered when it was all over.

She pressed her fingers lightly against the small cut on her collarbone. It had already started to close thanks to her Yoki, but it still hurt — a small reminder that no matter how clean a cut is, it always leaves something behind.

She stopped by a wide oak tree, leaning her back against the rough trunk. Rain dripped from the branches above onto her shoulders. She tilted her head up, closing her eyes for a moment.

You end echoes, but you carry them too. A quiet thought crossed her mind.

She opened her eyes again. In the moonlight, they shone gold and clear. She pushed away from the tree, her wet cloak dragging softly behind her like a shadow.

South Ridge Camp

Romeo sat close to the campfire, his new flame sword resting across his knees. Its blue-white glow pulsed gently, almost like it was breathing with him. His brows were tight, eyes distant as he watched the coals.

Kinana stirred a pot nearby, her hands calm but her shoulders tense. Macao stood back, arms crossed, scanning the treeline every few seconds.

"She's close," Romeo said suddenly, his voice low but certain.

Kinana looked up quickly. "How do you know?"

Romeo didn't answer right away. He hovered his hand over the blade, feeling its warmth. Slowly, a small, soft smile spread across his face.

"Because… I don't feel the storm anymore. Just the cut she left behind."

Macao lowered his arms. His face relaxed for the first time all night.

"Then get ready," he said. "She won't need words, but she'll look for them in your eyes."

Forest Edge — Teresa's Arrival

Teresa stepped out of the trees, her outline lit by the campfire glow. The moment her boots touched the edge of the camp, all three turned toward her.

Romeo jumped to his feet, nearly dropping his sword. Kinana froze with wide, bright eyes. Macao took one careful step forward, torn between rushing to her or standing still out of respect.

For a moment, nobody moved. The rain above was the only sound.

Romeo moved first. He ran forward but stopped just a meter away. He stood up straight, pressing his fist to his chest in a strong, honest salute.

Teresa looked at him, her eyes softening around the edges. Slowly, she gave him a small nod.

Romeo's eyes filled with tears, but he didn't let them fall. He held his sword tighter, breathing deep and steady.

Kinana stepped forward next, hands open at her sides. She met Teresa's gaze straight on, her lips trembling a little.

"Welcome home," she whispered.

Teresa didn't change expression, but her shoulders relaxed slightly. Kinana reached out and lightly touched her arm — gentle, brief, but meaningful.

Macao stepped up last. He stopped just short of touching her. His eyes moved across her face, checking for wounds.

"Thank you," he said, voice rough. "For coming back. For finishing it… your way."

Teresa met his eyes and tilted her head slightly. Then, in a small but clear gesture, she lifted her hand and pressed two fingers lightly to her brow — a silent salute.

Macao froze. Then he let out a shaky laugh and turned away, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

"Ah… damn rain," he muttered, even though they all knew better.

Later — Around the Fire

They all sat together in a loose circle. The fire burned stronger now. Romeo sat closest, carefully cleaning his sword as if it were something precious. Kinana handed out small bowls of soup, her hands finally steady. Macao leaned against a log, shoulders dropped in relief.

Teresa sat a little apart, her cloak wrapped around her. She watched the fire, eyes half-closed, breathing calmly and deeply.

After a few minutes, Romeo scooted forward and pushed his bowl toward her. She looked at the bowl, then at him. This time, he met her eyes directly.

"You need it more than I," he said firmly. "Please."

Teresa studied him. Then, slowly and carefully, she took the bowl. She didn't say thank you, but when she looked at him again, there was a warmth in her eyes — brief but strong.

Romeo leaned back with a quiet sigh, smiling faintly.

Kinana glanced around the circle, her voice gentle.

"We're together again," she said softly, mostly to herself. "Even if it's just tonight… that's enough."

Macao grunted, raising his bowl before finishing it in one big swallow.

Teresa's Thoughts

Teresa closed her eyes for a moment. She listened: Kinana's calm breaths, Romeo's gentle scraping on his sword, Macao's low mutters.

This isn't an echo, she thought. This is the shape of the world I choose to protect.

She opened her eyes again. They glowed softly, clear and steady.

Above them, the rain finally stopped. A light breeze passed through the camp, carrying small embers into the night sky, like tiny orange stars.