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Sulien did not seem to hear her.

He stepped towards her, dazed. The woman lowered her sword, irritation fading into confusion as he approached.

She was small compared to him, but she stood like a drawn bow—coiled strength beneath quiet grace.

Her armour fit close to her body, lacquered plates layered over dark fabric. Two swords rested across her back. Her long dark hair was half-bound with a red tie, strands framing a face too fine for the battlefield, yet marked with streaks of war paint that curved like petals across her cheekbones. Her eyes— the green of the deepest forest—were filled with confusion.

Sulien lifted his hand slowly and placed his palm against her cheek. She didn't draw away.

The world seemed to still.

"I have found you," he said tenderly. "My one." His hand traced the side of her face, holding her lightly by the neck. "What is your name?"

"Ruri," she whispered in a daze.

Kenji stepped forward then, breaking the spell.

"Let go of her." His voice cut cleanly through the moment.

Ruri blinked as if waking, colour rushing to her cheeks. She stepped back quickly, lowering her gaze, suddenly aware of the circle of warriors watching.

Sulien did not move.

His hand lingered in the air where her neck had been, as though he could still feel the warmth of her skin.

"Ruri," he muttered to himself, savouring the taste if it.

"I...I..." she muttered, though her voice trembled. "I cannot just—"

Sulien reached for her hand with the certainty of someone who knew what he wanted.

This time, she struggled.

"Let me go," she hissed under her breath.

For a heartbeat, he held on, confusion and hurt flashing across his face, as if he could not understand how something that felt so absolute to him could be unwelcome. Then he released her.

Ruri looked at him once, briefly, almost guiltily, and then shook her head.

"I can't do this," she whispered before she turned and ran.

Sulien stood frozen only a second before instinct drove him. He moved after her, long strides eating up the distance as she disappeared between the trees.

Blaidd remained where he was, exhaling slowly.

If anyone deserved happiness, it was Sulien. His brother had carried more than most and complained less than any. And Blaidd knew one thing with certainty—Sulien was relentless once he made up his mind, and Ruri's single days were numbered.

Blaidd let out a slow breath and glanced around the clearing.

The warriors had already resumed their drills, though more than a few eyes lingered on him. Word would spread quickly. He could feel Kenji's eyes burn into him.

He rolled his shoulders once, posturing without looking his way, and then approached the elder who appeared to be in charge of the training.

The man stood apart from the others. He was lean and fit, his movements economical. Grey streaked through his dark hair, which was bound tightly in a topknot. His stance was relaxed, yet there was no softness in him.

Blaidd inclined his head in respect.

"I am a visitor from the northern tribes," he said. "May I join the drills while I am here?"