The sun was just beginning to rise, spilling molten gold over the sleeping Crythorn Valley. Birds chirped softly in the distance, but within the camp of Squad Flameborn, there was a strange kind of heaviness hanging in the air.
Lucien sat quietly by the dying embers of last night's campfire, staring into the soft glow. His mind kept replaying the battle, over and over. The way Lyra had fought so recklessly. The way he had thrown himself between her and death.
And the way her fingers had trembled slightly when she touched his hand afterward.
Why does it feel like everything's changing?
He let out a sigh, lost in his thoughts.
"Couldn't sleep either, huh?"
Lucien turned, surprised to see Elira approaching. Her silver hair glistened like a waterfall in the morning light, and her gentle smile carried a strange warmth.
"I guess my mind won't let me rest," Lucien admitted.
Elira sat beside him, close enough that he could feel her soft warmth radiating through the morning chill.
"You're worried about yesterday."
Lucien chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess I'm worried about everything. My strength… the squad… and Lyra."
At the mention of Lyra, Elira's smile faltered—only for a moment—but Lucien caught it. A flicker of something in her eyes.
Jealousy.
"Lyra's... complicated," Elira said softly. "She's strong, but sometimes she lets her emotions control her. You… you're different."
Lucien turned his head, looking into her eyes. "Different how?"
"You care too much." Her voice was barely a whisper now. "Even when you're scared, you throw yourself in danger for others. That's… rare. And dangerous too, you know?"
He felt his chest tighten. Was she worried? About him?
Before Lucien could respond, soft footsteps interrupted the moment.
Lyra.
Her crimson hair fell in loose waves, and though her usual smirk danced on her lips, her sharp eyes immediately landed on how close Elira was sitting to Lucien.
The tension thickened like heavy fog.
"Good morning," Lyra said, her tone a little too bright. "I see you two are up early. Having a… nice chat?"
Elira pulled back slightly, composing herself. "Just talking about yesterday's fight."
Lyra stepped closer, her gaze flicking between them before settling on Lucien.
"You should rest more, Captain. We don't want you wearing yourself out."
Lucien smiled awkwardly. "I'm fine, really."
"Still," Lyra continued, her voice now softer, her fingers brushing against his arm for just a second longer than necessary, "you should save your strength for today."
Her touch sent a strange heat through Lucien's chest. But Elira's gaze sharpened again, and an awkward silence fell between the three of them.
Something's definitely changed between them… Lucien thought.
Later that afternoon, the squad gathered as they prepared to move deeper into Crythorn Forest, chasing rumors of a powerful beast.
But before they could set out, a soft voice called from the trees.
"Excuse me… are you the Flameborn Squad?"
Everyone froze, their hands moving toward their weapons. Lucien raised his hand, signaling them to stay calm.
From the thick woods emerged a girl—no, almost like a vision.
She was tall, slender, with flowing black hair that shimmered like silk under the dappled sunlight. Her eyes, a deep violet, held an eerie mix of sadness and wisdom far beyond her years.
She wore a cloak of deep azure, and the intricate embroidery of runes along its edge suggested someone deeply tied to magic.
Lucien stepped forward. "Yes, we are. Who are you?"
The girl bowed slightly, her voice like a calm stream.
"My name is Seraphina Nightveil. I've been searching for your squad… and for you, Captain Lucien."
The girls behind him tensed immediately.
Lyra narrowed her eyes. "You know his name?"
Seraphina's gaze flickered toward Lyra, but her smile remained serene. "Of course. Word of the reincarnated Savior has spread even to the far reaches of the arcane forests. And… I have a proposal."
Lucien tried to maintain composure, though her intense gaze unsettled him.
"What kind of proposal?"
Seraphina stepped closer, her voice lowering to a melodic whisper. "I wish to join your squad."
The entire group exchanged quick, confused glances.
"Join us?" Arin finally spoke up, her voice filled with suspicion. "We don't exactly take walk-ins, you know."
Seraphina's eyes never left Lucien. "I can offer you knowledge of forbidden magic, rare healing arts, and most importantly…" She paused, her voice dropping.
"I know things about the demon lord you're destined to face."
That got everyone's attention.
Lucien's mind raced. How does she know about my mission? My past?
But before he could answer, Lyra stepped directly between them, her voice sharp and defensive.
"And why should we trust you?"
Seraphina's lips curved into a faint, almost teasing smile. "Because, Miss Crimsonfang... unlike others, I have no intention of stealing his attention."
Her eyes briefly flicked toward Elira before landing back on Lyra, who visibly stiffened at the hidden jab.
The tension snapped like a drawn string.
Later that evening, as the squad set camp, Lucien sat alone once more. His mind overwhelmed. Lyra's rising emotions. Elira's quiet concern. And now, Seraphina's mysterious arrival.
Before he could lose himself further, Lyra approached again. This time, no teasing in her voice—just raw honesty.
"Lucien…" she whispered. "I don't like her."
Lucien looked up into Lyra's conflicted eyes. "Why?"
"Because…" Her voice cracked slightly. "Because she looks at you like she already owns a part of you. And I—"
She stopped herself, biting her lip.
Lucien's heart pounded. This wasn't the usual flirty banter. This was real.
Lyra took a shaky breath. "I don't want to lose you. To anyone."
The moonlight bathed her face as she looked away, vulnerable in a way Lucien had never seen before.
For a moment, Lucien reached out, gently touching her hand. The same way she once had.
"You won't lose me," he said softly. "Not now. Not ever."
Their fingers intertwined under the quiet stars.
But somewhere deep in the forest, unseen eyes continued watching them…
[System Notification: Emotional Link — Lyra Crimsonfang: Romantic Affection Level 2 Achieved]
[New Side Quest Unlocked: "The Mysterious Witch of Nightveil — Seraphina's Trial"]
[Warning: Internal Squad Jealousy rising… be cautious.]
To Be Continued…