CHAPTER 75: CH 75: WE ARE HERE TO TAKE HER - PART 5

The familiar outline of Lysera’s home emerged between the narrow streets, its sloped roof and sturdy walls standing as a quiet beacon at the end of the path.

The sight alone nearly undid Kana.

Her shoulders slackened, the knots in her chest loosening as though invisible cords had finally been cut. A deep, slow breath escaped her, shaky at first, then steadier.

She had been here before—many times—but only now did the question slide into her mind:

’Since when... have I thought of this place as home?’

Her steps faltered for just a moment. She searched herself for the answer, but no matter how far she reached, the thought tangled with memories she wasn’t ready to untangle.

It wasn’t fear of the truth that made her stop—it was the quiet, selfish desire to not ruin this fragile peace. She shook her head lightly.

No.

She would not prod that question now. She didn’t want to overwhelm herself.

Her hesitation lasted only until Irielle’s warm hand slipped into hers.

Without a word, Irielle tugged her forward in a brisk, almost childlike pull that scattered Kana’s thoughts like dry leaves in a gust of wind.

Her soft protests were ignored; Irielle’s grip was firm and warm, a little sweaty from how tightly she held on.

Behind them, Lysera’s measured steps trailed, her gaze sweeping the quiet lane.

Her movements looked casual to anyone else, but Kana caught the flicker of calculation in her eyes—the way she checked shadows, rooftops, and the empty road behind them.

Always watching. Always making sure nothing followed.

By the time the front gate came into view, Kana’s chest was buzzing with the simple anticipation of being inside.

The moment the door swung open, the familiar smell of polished wood and faint herbs welcomed her.

Irielle all but pushed her inside, steering her toward the sofa like she might vanish if she let go.

"Sit."

Irielle said, voice not harsh but leaving no room for argument.

Kana hesitated.

"I was just going to take a shower—"

Irielle’s expression darkened ever so slightly, her eyes narrowing in quiet disapproval. That, more than the words, froze Kana in place. She sat.

Without another word, Irielle reached out, her fingers brushing along Kana’s swollen lower lip. The touch was soft, but the weight of her scrutiny made Kana tense.

She half-expected a teasing remark or a question that would force her to recall the temple—but instead, Irielle pressed her own lips together, as if holding back something, and let her magic flow.

Warmth spread over Kana’s mouth, tingling as the ache dulled and the swelling eased away. When the magic faded, Irielle simply said.

"Be careful in the future."

And drew back.

Kana blinked at her, more disarmed by the lack of prying than she would have been by questions.

The sound of the door closing pulled her attention, and Lysera stepped in. She looked them over briefly before speaking in her usual even tone.

"Would you like something to eat?"

Kana opened her mouth to answer politely, but her stomach betrayed her first with a loud growl. Heat rushed to her face, but Lysera only chuckled quietly.

"It’s alright. I’ll bring you something."

She said, the faintest smile curling her lips.

When the food arrived—warm bread, seasoned vegetables, and a simple meat stew—the sight alone made Kana’s mouth water.

With Irielle pressed close at her side, almost like a living barrier, and Lysera quietly setting the dishes in front of her, Kana felt a strange, anchoring warmth.

She leaned, almost without thinking, against Irielle’s shoulder.

"You can always rely on me for anything."

Irielle murmured near her ear.

Kana’s lips curved faintly, and though she didn’t say it, a small voice inside her believed her.

The first bite of food erased her lingering tension, and before she knew it, she had forgotten the temple entirely.

By the time her plate was empty, the heaviness in her chest had faded to nothing more than a distant memory.

That night, after they all parted ways to their own rooms, Kana lay alone in the quiet dark.

The sheets were soft and the air faintly scented with the herbal oil Lysera kept for relaxation. Sleep tugged at her quickly—but some time later, a faint shift in the mattress stirred her.

A head of familiar blond hair pressed against her side. Irielle’s slow, steady breathing warmed her through the blanket.

Kana watched her for a moment, eyes half-lidded, then simply closed them again. She could deal with her later.

Sleep reclaimed her—until another dip in the bed made her stir again. Stronger arms slipped around her waist from behind, pulling her back into solid warmth.

Lysera.

Sandwiched between the two, Kana exhaled slowly.

The last of her thoughts melted away, and for the first time in far too long, she let herself sink fully into the dark, certain she was safe.

______

Morning sunlight spilled into the room in slow, golden streams, warming the blankets tangled around Kana.

The first thing she noticed was the gentle, rhythmic rise and fall of the bodies pressed against her—one in front, one behind.

Irielle was curled up close, her face buried against Kana’s chest, breathing softly.

A faint tickle of her hair brushed Kana’s chin every time she exhaled. Her arm was draped across Kana’s waist, fingers twitching faintly as though even in sleep she refused to let go.

Behind her, Lysera’s presence was heavier, steadier.

An arm still circled Kana’s middle, holding her firmly but without pressure.

Kana could feel the slow, calm beat of Lysera’s heart against her back, the kind of rhythm that made her want to drift back to sleep.

She blinked slowly, a small smile tugging at her lips before she realized what position she was in.

Her face heated, and she briefly considered slipping out before either of them woke up.

But the moment she tried to shift, Irielle murmured something incoherent and burrowed even closer, trapping her in place.

Lysera’s grip tightened just slightly as if answering Irielle’s silent claim. Kana froze, her heart racing at the synchronized possessiveness.

She didn’t know whether to laugh, scold them, or just... stay still.

The scent of home—warm sheets, faint traces of magic, and the comfort of their presence—made her body relax despite her embarrassment. She’d slept better than she had in days.

Eventually, Irielle stirred, her lashes fluttering open to reveal a sleepy gaze that landed squarely on Kana’s face. A slow smile spread across her lips, lazy but warm.

"Morning."

She whispered, voice husky from sleep.

Kana felt her cheeks heat again.

"...Morning."

Lysera shifted behind them, her breath brushing Kana’s ear.

"You didn’t wake us."

She murmured, voice low and still heavy with sleep.

Kana hesitated.

"You both looked comfortable."

That earned her a faint chuckle from Lysera and a soft hum of satisfaction from Irielle, who nestled her head back against Kana’s chest.

For a while, none of them moved. The outside world felt far away, like it couldn’t touch them here. Kana let herself sink into that quiet, into the safety of their presence.

If this was how mornings could be... she didn’t mind waking up like this.

’This feels nice. I want to stay like this longer.’