A dark shadow slithered among the trees, following Riven’s every step at a steady distance. He did not turn around, only sharpened his hearing while slowing his pace. His hand brushed the dagger at his waist, a reflexive motion, though he made no haste to draw it.

Inside, his thoughts spun quickly.

Who is it? A spy from Mordune? A city guard? A beast stalking me? Or perhaps… just another scavenger like me? Every possibility surfaced, yet none provided a certain answer. Whatever it was, one thing was clear—it meant no good. If not, why follow him in silence?

Riven drew a breath, weighing his choices. A direct confrontation was far from wise. So he chose patience, waiting for an opening to slip away. Swiftly, he changed course—not toward the battlefield, but veering down the path that led to a small town.

If I can reach a crowd, he won’t dare attack me outright.

His mind settled on the plan. But only a few steps later, the sharp crack of a branch rang behind him. Riven paused briefly, then turned his head in a natural motion. Beyond the trees, he caught the faint outline of a figure.

His expression darkened. Whoever it was, they were utterly poor at hiding.

With a long sigh, Riven spoke in a calm, flat tone that still carried clearly.

“Melly, come out. I know you’re following me.”

Silence answered him. Only the wind stirred the leaves. The figure remained hidden.

Riven exhaled sharply.

“I know you’re behind that tree.”

A few seconds later, from behind a thick trunk, a small girl stepped out hesitantly. Her face was sweet, round eyes sparkling with guilt. Her black hair hung a little messy, and she gave him an awkward, sheepish smile while scratching her head.

“Hehe… you caught me. How did you know it was me, Riven?”

Riven covered his face with one hand, sighing deeply. He walked toward her, staring at the girl who tried to act innocent, then without a word, rapped his knuckles lightly on her head.

“Ow!” Melly yelped softly, still managing a wry smile.

Riven looked at her with a mix of anger and worry.

“You do know how dangerous it is to be out in the forest at night, don’t you? So why did you follow me? Didn’t I tell you, while I’m working you’re to stay at home? Out here it’s full of threats, Mel. If something happened to you, I…” his voice dropped, almost trembling, “I wouldn’t know what to do.”

Melly pouted, eyes glistening yet stubborn.

“I can’t just stay in the house forever, Brother. I’m not a child anymore. I can help. I won’t be a burden.”

Riven snorted in frustration.

“You couldn’t even walk without snapping a branch, and I knew instantly you were behind me. If you had been stalking someone else… or if it were a beast… do you think you’d still be standing here?”

Melly bit her lower lip.

“But I can’t stand it, Brother. Every time you leave, I sit at home restless. I can only pray you return alive. I keep imagining… what if you never come back? What if I’m left all alone? I… I don’t want to feel that.”

Her voice broke, tears swelling in her eyes.

Riven fell silent. Her words struck him like a blow. He wanted to scold her, yet he knew she was speaking the truth.

He tried to sound firm.

“Melly, listen to me. Precisely because I may not come back, you must remain safe at home. If I fail, if I don’t return, at least I want to know you’ll still be alive, even without me. That’s the only thing that keeps me fighting out there.”

Melly shook her head quickly, eyes reddening with restrained tears.

“No! I don’t want to just wait like a fool. I want to do something. If I only sit idle, it feels like I’m nothing. At least… if I’m with you, I can try. I can keep watch, guard from behind. I won’t get in your way, I swear. I just want to stay close.”

Riven stared at her for a long moment. Anger and fear tangled in his eyes.

“How many times must I tell you? This world isn’t a playground, Melly! Do you think I want to live like this? Do you think I can fight calmly if I have to keep looking back, making sure you’re safe?!”

Melly lifted her chin, her voice trembling yet brave.

“And do you think I can be calm sitting at home, wondering if my brother is alive or already a corpse? You don’t understand, Brother. Waiting without knowing is unbearable!”

Her words froze Riven in place.

For a while, only the wind whispered.

At last he rubbed his face, drew in a deep breath, and let it out slowly.

“You really are stubborn…”

Melly lowered her head, but a faint smile tugged at her lips.

“I’m your sister. Of course I’m just as stubborn as you.”

Riven gazed at her again. The urge to scold remained, but pity weighed heavier in his chest. Finally, he lifted his hand and patted her shoulder gently.

“Fine… just this once. You may come. But on one condition.”

Melly’s eyes lit up at once, her face beaming as though a great weight lifted off her heart.

“Really?!”

Riven raised a finger, firm.

“You must stay by my side at all times. No running anywhere without my permission. And when we reach the battlefield, you’ll only watch from a distance. From a safe spot. Understand?”

Melly nodded eagerly, her smile spreading wide again.

“Yes, Brother! I promise I’ll obey.”

Riven looked at her once more, his gaze softening into resignation.

“Then… let’s go. And may I not come to regret this decision.”

Melly gave a little hop, trying to stifle her excitement, though her sparkling eyes betrayed her joy.

Riven shook his head faintly, then turned toward the dark path ahead. He knew the road before them was far more dangerous than he had ever imagined.

But now, with Melly at his side, he had more than himself to protect.

They walked in silence, the only sounds their footsteps on damp leaves and the night wind brushing through old trees.

From time to time, the sharp cry of a night bird echoed, making Melly press herself closer to Riven. Though she tried to appear brave, Riven caught from the corner of his eye how her small hand clung to the hem of his ragged cloak, as if afraid he might vanish.

The path grew steeper, the ground mixed with loose stones guiding them upward toward a plateau. Shadows of trees thinned, giving way to the wide, open sky.

When at last they reached the cliff’s summit, Riven stopped abruptly. His breath caught. His eyes widened. His heart pounded like a hammer striking his chest.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep