"…That means you are an elf," Ren said slowly. "And not just any elf. Fire-elemental."
Yusha nodded, fingers tightening against the sheets.
"Yes."
Silence settled between them, heavy but not uncomfortable. Then Ren exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing.
"For now, don't think about anything else," he said gently. "Rest. Your body needs it."
Yusha looked up at him, hesitant. "Ren—"
"I'll get you something to eat," Ren interrupted softly, already rising from his chair. "You've been through enough."
He offered a faint, reassuring smile before turning toward the door. As it closed behind him, the room fell quiet once more, leaving Yusha alone with the steady rhythm of his breathing—and the fragile warmth of safety, at least for now.
***
Elsewhere, Zayden went upstairs and gently laid Eiran—still deep asleep from the ride—onto the bed.
He carefully draped a blanket over the child, making sure not to wake him, before quietly exiting the room.
