After the battle, Rika led Sky to a small wooden house at the edge of the forest. It was quiet and warm inside, with a little fire crackling in the fireplace.
"This is where I live," Rika said. "You can rest here tonight."
Sky sat down on a soft chair. He still felt tired from using the glowing sword. "Thank you," he said. "For helping me."
Rika smiled. "Of course. You saved me too."
As the night grew darker, Sky looked at the star-shaped mark on his chest. It had stopped glowing, but it still felt warm—like it was alive.
Rika sat across from him. "Can I ask something?"
"Sure," he said.
"Do you think you're… from another world?"
Sky looked at her. "I don't know. But when I look up at the stars, it feels… familiar."
Rika nodded. "Maybe the mark is a clue."
Sky touched it. "When the creature came, I just knew what to do. Like the power wanted to protect you."
"You think it's connected to your heart?"
"Maybe," he said quietly. "But what if that creature comes back?"
"Then we fight together," Rika said, standing tall.
Sky smiled. "You're braver than me."
"Nope," she said, grinning. "We're both brave."
Suddenly, the fire in the fireplace flickered strangely. A cold wind blew through the room. Sky stood up quickly.
Then—bang!—a shadow slammed against the window. Both of them jumped.
"What was that?!" Rika shouted.
Sky moved to the door. "Stay back," he warned.
Outside, a small piece of black cloth floated in the wind. On it was a strange symbol—one that looked like a broken star.
Sky picked it up. The mark on his chest glowed again.
Someone had left it on purpose.