Morning light filtered through the tower's narrow window, casting a soft glow over the room. Saria dressed first.
"I won't lie," she said quietly, her voice carrying a rare weight. "What you did wasn't just impressive. It was terrifying."
Leon sat on the bed, shirtless, panting, his hands still tingling with residual magic. "In a good way?" he asked, a grin tugging at his lips, his voice steadier than he felt.
She nodded, her dark eyes meeting his. "In the way that changes wars."
Terya licked his shoulder, curled beside him, her naked thigh draped over his.
"Then let's start one," she said, her voice warm, her green eyes sparkling with mischief.
Leon smiled, his chest swelling with a confidence he hadn't felt before.
This time, it wasn't awkward. It was certain.
________
The gates of Eldwood creaked open beneath a rising sun, its light spilling gold over the forest path ahead.
