The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets as Kian and Nia strolled hand in hand. The warmth of the day lingered in the air, and the distant hum of the city seemed to fade into the background. They had spent the entire day exploring the marketplace stalls, the winding alleys filled with hidden shops, and even a quiet garden tucked away behind a row of aged brick buildings. Now, as the world grew softer in the fading light, they found themselves sitting on a bench beneath a towering oak tree.
Nia leaned her head against Kian's shoulder, her eyes half-closed. "I don't want this day to end," she murmured, her fingers lacing through his.
Kian looked down at her, a faint smile pulling at his lips. "Me neither," he admitted. He traced his thumb along her hand, marveling at how natural it felt how right. But there was a whisper at the back of his mind, a nagging reminder that this peace wasn't meant to last.
The city had been kinder to him than he'd expected. Though there were a few suspicious glances and some whispers, nobody confronted him. Even the old friends he ran into seemed too shocked to question him. For once, he could exist without the weight of his past crushing him.
Nia lifted her head, her eyes catching his. "Kian… what's going to happen when we go back?"
He was silent for a moment, staring off into the skyline. The memories of his parents' house flickered in his mind. It was still there untouched, waiting. He had avoided it since the attack, unable to face the ghosts it held. But now…
"We won't go back," he said softly.
Nia blinked, confusion flickering across her face. "What do you mean?"
He turned to face her fully, eyes resolute. "I still have my parents' house. It's ours now. We don't have to go back to the mountains."
Her expression shifted from confusion to surprise, then to something softer something that made Kian's heart tighten. "You want to live there? Together?"
A faint blush crept up his cheeks, but he didn't waver. "Yeah. Together."
For a moment, Nia was silent, her eyes shimmering with something unspoken. Then, she threw her arms around him, squeezing him tight. "I'd like that," she whispered.
Kian chuckled, patting her back. "Well… I guess we should tell Chandler."
The walk back to the inn was quiet but filled with anticipation. Nia was practically skipping beside him, her hand never leaving his. The lanterns hanging from the buildings above cast soft light over the streets, and the distant sounds of laughter and music gave the evening a sense of calm.
When they reached the inn, Chandler was already waiting for them outside, his arms crossed, eyes watching the horizon as if searching for something long lost. His gaze flickered to them as they approached, and he gave them a nod.
"Enjoyed your day?" he asked, his voice rough yet warm.
Nia nodded eagerly. "We did! And… we have something to tell you."
Chandler raised a brow, glancing between the two. "Oh? Sounds serious."
Kian took a breath, steadying himself. "We're going to move into my parents' house. We want to live in the city… properly."
For a moment, there was silence. Chandler's eyes softened, and he released a slow breath. "I see."
He straightened up, walking over to Kian and placing a heavy hand on his shoulder. "That's a good choice, boy. A strong choice." His gaze flickered to Nia. "And you'll take care of him?"
Nia puffed out her chest, nodding with determination. "Of course!"
Chandler chuckled, his laugh rumbling deep in his chest. "Well, that settles it." His expression grew somber. "I guess I should tell you… I won't be coming with you."
Kian's eyes widened. "What? Why not?"
Chandler's gaze drifted back to the horizon. "I've got some business to take care of. Old debts, unfinished matters. I'll be gone for a while."
Nia's face fell. "How long is a while?"
Chandler didn't answer immediately. He simply reached into his coat and pulled out two folded envelopes, handing them to Kian. "Connections of mine. I've pulled a few strings you and Nia are now enrolled in one of the best training academies in the city."
Kian took the envelopes, his eyes scanning the official seals. "You did this for us?"
Chandler grunted. "I'm not letting you waste that talent of yours. Besides, I've taught you all I can… for now."
Nia's eyes shimmered with tears. "You'll come back, right?"
Chandler's gaze softened. He reached out, ruffling her hair gently. "You think I'd miss seeing how strong you two become? I'll be back before you know it."
Kian swallowed the lump in his throat. He knew what this meant Chandler was going to war with his past. And he didn't know if the old man would make it back.
But he didn't say it. Neither did Nia.
Instead, Kian stepped forward and pulled Chandler into a tight embrace. For a moment, the old man seemed surprised, but then his hands came up, patting Kian's back with firm reassurance.
"You've grown strong, boy. Stronger than I thought possible," Chandler murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "Keep going."
When Kian pulled back, Nia hugged Chandler just as fiercely, burying her face in his coat. "Come back soon," she whispered.
Chandler nodded, stepping back and straightening his coat. "Don't get too comfortable. I'll be back before you can start slacking off."
He turned, his coat flaring with the movement, and began to walk away. Kian and Nia watched him until he vanished into the darkening streets.