Aina

Aina traveled alone, far from the places where her name still meant something. The magical age had faded, but the world remained wild. Fields, ruins, silence - just her and the path.

The sun was setting when her footsteps led her to a forest spring. The water was icy cold, but refreshing. Closing her eyes for a moment, Aina suddenly felt a sharp jolt.

She fell. Before her eyes was a silent, breathless presence.

Brushing a strand of hair from her face, she sighed and muttered:

"You fool, are you in a big hurry?"

His hand reached for his weapon—instinctively. But the silence around him made him stop. In his eyes—not a threat, but flight. Loneliness. A familiar shadow.

“Are you running away?” she added quietly.