The clearing hadn't shifted, but the mood had.
Jin stood where the fight had ended, Muramasa quiet at his side. The bodies of the three beasts were gone now, faded to dust and petals. The forest remained still. Watching. Listening.
The spirit walked forward slowly, the soles of her bare feet brushing against the moss without sound. Her expression had softened—not warm, but less guarded. Like the tension she'd carried since her emergence had finally been given room to settle.
"You've proven your will," she said. "So I'll offer what I promised."
She stopped a few steps away. The others stayed back, quiet, letting the moment play. Echo leaned against a tree, arms folded. Joon crouched near a stump, chin resting on his hand. Seul stood with her arms crossed, eyes sharp as ever.
The spirit raised her hand.
"This won't be a weapon," she said. "Or a title. Or something that can be traded for favor or fame."
Jin nodded once. "Good. I don't want any of that."
