breath hitched as she woke, her body trembling. For a moment, she wasn't sure if this was reality or just another cruel illusion. The warmth of the bed, the absence of chains—it felt unreal.
Her fingers curled into the fabric of the blanket. Is this real?
She sat up, scanning the dimly lit room, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she wasn't met with darkness and pain. A choked sob escaped her lips.
She was free.
Tears welled in her eyes as she steadied her breath. Calm down. She had to make sure—had to see it with her own eyes.
Slipping out of bed, she moved toward the door.
The moment she stepped outside, her gaze landed on Kale.
He sat in the living area, arms crossed, his expression unreadable as he stared into the fire. The moment he noticed her, his sharp eyes met hers, but he said nothing.
Her knees buckled. Before she could stop herself, she moved forward, standing in front of him. Her voice trembled as she spoke.
"You... you really came for me."
Tears streamed down her face. "I thought… I thought no one would."
Kale remained silent as she cried, offering neither comfort nor coldness. When she finally calmed, wiping her eyes, she turned toward the others.
She straightened her back, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "I am Reina Velian." Her voice was still hoarse from exhaustion, but there was strength in it. "I was born in the northern provinces, raised as a mage since childhood. At eighteen, I have reached the 4th Circle—an achievement that meant nothing when I was captured for turned into a tool."
Her fingers curled into fists.Kale nodded. "Sit."
She obeyed, sitting across from him, her hands still trembling.
"They'll come for you again," Kale stated. "You were too valuable for them to simply let go."
Reina clenched her fists. She knew that. The Divine Order wouldn't just let a weapon slip from their grasp.
"You have two choices," Kale continued. "You can disappear, live in hiding. Or you can fight."
She looked at him, something burning behind her tear-streaked eyes. "If you hadn't come, I don't know what they would have done to me. I won't let them take me again. I want revenge."
Her voice hardened. "Help me take it."
Kale studied her for a long moment. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Fine."
Reina exhaled, her body relaxing—then she dropped to her knees.
"I swear my loyalty to you," she said, her voice unwavering. "From this moment on, I will follow you, obey you, and do whatever you ask of me. My life is yours."