The world seemed to breathe slower around them.
The last glow of sunset stretched across the quiet park, washing the stones and grass in warm hues of amber and rose. Alvin felt that warmth faintly against his skin, but most of it came from the pair of arms wrapped firmly, protectively, around him.
Kazien did not let go of Alvin's embrace immediately.
If anything, his arms only tightened—as if loosening them even a fraction might cause Alvin to shatter like fragile crystal. Alvin's golden-yellow hair brushed softly against Kazien's cheek, carrying the faint scent of mana herbs. Kazien closed his eyes, steadying his breath. This closeness—this trust—felt like something he should hold gently, but never, ever take for granted.
The breeze murmured through the ancient park trees. Leaves rustled softly, birds called from high branches, and the mana-fireflies drifting between them blinked with a faint golden shimmer. Even the world seemed to offer them a quiet moment, a pocket of peace carved away from battles, kingdoms, and pain.
Alvin's trembling slowly eased in Kazien's embrace.
When Kazien finally pulled away, he only moved far enough to see the high elf's face clearly. His thumb brushed Alvin's damp cheek, chasing away the last trace of tears.
"You're stronger than you think," Kazien whispered, voice low and steady—gentler than wind, firmer than steel. "And I'm proud of you."
Alvin blinked, eyes still rimmed in red.
"Proud… of me?"
"Yes."
Kazien cupped his face with both hands, thumbs warm against his skin. "You endured something no one else could have survived. You lost everything—your home, your kingdom, your father—and still found the strength to breathe. To keep going. That isn't weakness, Alvin."
His voice softened.
"That's strength born from pain… and courage."
Alvin's lips trembled, but the tears didn't fall this time. The storm inside him no longer raged—it flowed softly, like a gentle stream finding calm after violent waves.
He leaned forward, pressing his forehead against Kazien's.
"Then… stay with me while I learn to be strong again."
"I'm not going anywhere," Kazien replied instantly, without hesitation, without doubt.
A soft exhale—almost a laugh—escaped Alvin. Fragile, breathy, but real. Kazien felt his heart warm at the sound. It was like watching something bloom—a tender, hopeful light after a long and merciless winter.
Kazien rose to his feet and extended his hand.
"Come. Let's walk. No more tears for today!"
Alvin hesitated only a moment before taking the offered hand. Their fingers intertwined naturally—warm against warm, their palms fitting together with unexpected ease. Not awkward. Not forced. As if they had been waiting for this contact long before realizing it.
They walked along the stone path weaving between ancient trees. Lantern orbs floated above them, glowing with stored mana, their light soft like drifting stars. Alvin felt the silence settle around them. Not the crushing quiet of sorrow—this was gentle, comforting, a silence shared between hearts rather than held alone.
After a few steps, Alvin spoke softly. "My dear…"
Kazien glanced at him. "Hmm?"
"You said earlier… that you would follow me if I ever choose revenge." Alvin lowered his eyes. "Are you truly prepared for what that means?"
Kazien squeezed his hand. "I meant every word."
"What if it puts you in danger?" Alvin asked, voice faint. "What if you get hurt… because of me?"
"Then I'll face it," Kazien said simply. "With you."
Alvin stopped walking.
The wind swept past them, brushing the tips of the enchanted flowers glowing softly along the path.
"My dear… you don't understand." Alvin looked down at their joined hands. "Revenge means blood. It means war. It means facing the demon king, the dragons, the generals who slaughtered my people without mercy." His voice grew quiet. "It means facing death again."
Kazien stepped closer, their bodies nearly touching.
"Then I'll stand even closer to you." His tone was soft… but unshakably firm. "So your burdens never crush you alone."
Alvin's breath caught. He didn't know when Kazien had learned how to make his heart race so easily. Maybe it was his sincerity. Maybe it was how he spoke without hesitation. Or maybe it was simply the way Kazien looked at him—like Alvin was worth something, worth protecting, worth loving.
"My dear…" Alvin whispered, overwhelmed.
"You don't have to fear me leaving," Kazien continued gently. "I'll stay. I'll fight. I'll protect you. I'll carry you if I have to."
His thumb traced Alvin's jaw. "Whatever path you choose… I'll walk it with you."
Alvin's eyes widened—then softened.
The world felt strangely quiet, as if waiting for something important.
Kazien lifted Alvin's chin. His voice lowered. "Because I love you."
The confession fell into the air like a spell—warm, binding, alive with magic more old and powerful than any ancient rune.
Alvin's breath hitched. His eyes, wide with surprise, slowly melted into something tender and deep—emotion so raw it almost hurt.
"I love you too," His voice trembled—not from fear, but from the weight of sincerity. "You're my light… after everything I've lost."
Kazien pressed his forehead against Alvin's once more, more deliberate than before. An unspoken vow sealed beneath the fading sun.."Then let me keep being your light," he murmured.
Alvin's eyes fluttered shut, tears threatening again but held back by the peace filling his chest.
"Stay with me…" he breathed.
"Always."
Kazien's answer settled into Alvin's heart like warm mana, filling cracks grief had carved, softening scars left behind by fire, blood, and war. The weight of loneliness he had carried for so long began to ease—slowly, quietly, but unmistakably.
They resumed walking, but now Alvin leaned closer, his shoulder brushing Kazien's with every step. Kazien shifted slightly, allowing Alvin to rest comfortably against him.
Their steps matched perfectly..Their hands remained linked.
And the flowers around them glowed brighter, as if blessing the path they walked.
When they reached a wide clearing, the last rays of sunlight dipped behind the horizon. Alvin stopped, watching the sky darken into shades of violet and blue. The faint silver glow of early starlight shimmered across his hair.
Kazien watched him—not the sunset, not the sky, just him.
"You look like you belong to the night sky!"
Alvin flushed slightly.
"And you… look like someone who keeps chasing me until I stop running."
Kazien smiled, a small curve of warmth.
"Then I'll run for as long as it takes."
Alvin turned toward him fully.
The moon's first light illuminated his green-mint eyes, making them glow softly. "I want a future with you!" he said quietly. "A future where I don't have to fear losing everything again. A future where I can grow stronger… enough to protect the ones I still have."
"Then build that future with me! I'll fight beside you and hold you when your past tries to drown you again."
Alvin stepped closer until their chests almost touched.
"Can I really have that future after everything that's happened?" he asked softly.
Kazien lifted Alvin's hand and pressed a gentle kiss to his knuckles. "You can have anything as long as we walk toward it together!"
Alvin's heart fluttered—warm, full, alive.
The night settled around them.
Mana-fireflies rose once more, drifting in circles like dancing lanterns, illuminating their silhouettes in soft golden light.
Alvin leaned forward, resting his head on Kazien's shoulder.
Kazien wrapped an arm around him immediately, pulling him close.
"Thank you… For finding me. For caring about me. For loving me."
Kazien's hand slid gently through Alvin's hair. "And thank you for letting me, Alvin."
The world around them darkened completely, but neither feared the night.
Because together—hand in hand, heart to heart, they walked forward, leaving behind the final light of sunset and stepping into a future they would forge side by side.
A future stronger than grief. Warmer than loss. Brighter than any star.
A future that was theirs.