Chapter 125 - The Flame That Remains

Date: Early September X788 — Dawn After the Return

Location: South Ridge Camp

The first light of morning crept through the trees, turning wet leaves into soft gold and pale green. The small camp felt calm and safe in the gentle dawn. Thin smoke rose from the fire, curling into the cool air with the smell of damp earth and old herbs.

Teresa sat alone on a flat stone just outside the campfire circle. Her cloak hung heavy around her shoulders. Across her knees rested her sword, perfectly clean except for a few faint mana stains left along the edge.

She watched the sun rise through the trees. Her eyes, catching each bit of light, seemed to look far beyond — past the valley, past the forest, toward something only she could sense.

Romeo woke first. His hair stuck out at odd angles, and a faint line from his cloak was pressed into his cheek. He rubbed his eyes, looked around, and then saw Teresa. Without thinking, he stood up and walked over, holding his sword close.

He stopped a few feet away and sat down on the grass. For a while, neither of them said anything. The world around them slowly woke up, birds starting to call softly.

Finally, Romeo spoke. His voice was low and unsure.

"Will... will you leave again soon?"

Teresa didn't move at first. Her fingers rested on the flat side of her sword, feeling the warmth that still lingered.

After a long moment, she answered quietly.

"I don't belong in arenas. Or in festivals. Or on stages waiting for applause."

Romeo frowned a little but didn't look away.

"I know… but we need you here too. Even if you're not fighting. Just… being here."

Teresa finally looked at him. For a moment, a gentle warmth showed in her golden eyes.

"You've grown," she said.

Romeo swallowed, his grip on the sword tightening.

"I want to keep growing. So that one day, when you need someone at your side... I can be there. And you won't have to look back to check if I'm keeping up."

A small softness crossed Teresa's face — brief but real. She reached out, hesitating for a second, then placed her hand lightly on his hair. She held it there, as if memorizing this moment.

Romeo's eyes widened. He held his breath, then closed his eyes, finally relaxing under her touch.

By the Fire

Kinana lifted her head and saw them sitting together in the early light. A warm, relieved smile appeared on her face.

Macao stretched and turned to look too. He let out a small breath, almost a laugh.

"I'll be damned," he muttered. "She's finally seeing what we've seen in him all along."

Kinana gave him a small, teasing glance.

"She's always seen it," she said softly. "She just needed to clear her path first."

Macao let out a short chuckle.

"Kids and swords... both stubborn as hell."

Teresa and Romeo

Teresa slowly pulled her hand back, brushing his hair lightly one last time. Romeo opened his eyes again, steady and focused.

"Stay close to your flame," she told him, her voice low and private. "Don't let the world shape it for you."

Romeo nodded firmly.

"I won't. I promise."

Teresa stood up, her cloak falling around her like a dark wave. She lifted her sword, carefully running her thumb along the edge, as if checking every detail.

She looked at the sky, reading the wind and the quiet. Somewhere far beyond, she could feel small tremors — future echoes waiting to appear.

Kinana and Macao approached, stepping closer to the fire. Kinana held a pot of tea, steam rising in soft curls.

"Before you disappear into the woods again," Kinana called out lightly, half-joking, half-serious, "at least have some tea with us."

Teresa paused, then stepped forward and sat down on one of the logs without a word.

Kinana lit up with joy, quickly pouring a wooden cup and handing it to her. Teresa took it, holding it carefully in her hands.

Macao sat across from her, stretching his back with a loud crack.

"I've faced easier dragons than your tea," he teased.

Kinana swatted at his shoulder.

"Quiet, old man."

Romeo burst out laughing, bright and clear, echoing around the camp. For a moment, it felt like the heavy air of the last weeks finally lifted.

A Shared Quiet

They sat together in a small circle, drinking tea slowly. The quiet between them felt full and warm, stronger than any words. Teresa didn't smile, but her shoulders relaxed, and her face softened.

Macao set his empty cup down, looking over at Teresa.

"So," he asked carefully, "what happens next?"

Teresa lowered her cup, looking at each of them in turn before gazing into the trees.

"There will always be echoes," she said. "And always cuts to make. But for now... the valley is quiet. The world can breathe again."

Macao nodded slowly.

"Good enough for me."

Kinana leaned forward slightly, her voice warm.

"Then stay as long as you need. Or as long as you want."

Romeo looked at her, eyes clear and steady.

"We'll keep the fire ready. Whenever you come back."

Teresa's gaze fell on him one last time. In that look, there was a silent promise — stronger than any spoken vow.

Final Reflection

Teresa stood again, stretching slowly. She slid her blade into its sheath. The soft click sounded almost like a heartbeat in the still camp.

She stepped beyond the glow of the fire, stopping at the edge of the trees. She looked back once, her golden eyes moving over each of them. Then, so softly it was almost unseen, she lowered her head — not a bow of surrender, but a silent thank you.

She turned and walked into the forest. The branches parted quietly as she passed, as if the forest recognized her.

Back at the fire, Romeo sat up straighter, gripping his sword with new resolve. Macao let out a long sigh but smiled. Kinana pressed her hand to her chest, feeling her heartbeat calm.

The valley stood still. The echoes were gone. And in their place, one small, strong flame remained — steady, waiting, alive.