Page 11 of Warrior Princess
Shiro's intense gaze met mine, searching, probing for any sign of falsehood. In my conviction, perhaps he saw a reflection of the forgiveness for which he yearned.
“If Celeste was anything like me, she never would have hated you. No matter what you did,” I added, hoping to strengthen his hope with my assurance.
“One can only dream.” His low voice was tinged with a melancholy that seemed to echo off the cave walls. “Now I am awake here in a new world that seems like the old one, left to wander it alone.”
“You’re not alone.” I stepped closer to bridge the gap his solitude had wrought. The flickering light from the entrance cast long shadows behind us, making the cave’s vastness feel less oppressive. “The Crimson Clan is your family, and as a descendant of the Moon Goddess, I am as well.”
His dry chuckle bounced off the cave’s stony interior. “Thank you… I do not even know what to call you. I have heard two different names. Which is it?” His question came with a raised brow, a lightness in his tone that wasn’t there before.
I laughed, the sound more cheerful in the gloomy cavern. “My given name is Lyanna, but I left my home in Valoria for ten years and traveled under the guise of Leila. Ronan likes to call me Leila, and honestly, I prefer it,” I explained with a shrug, finding comfort in the chosen identity that had seen me through many trials.
He smirked, and a glimmer of amusement in his eyes softened the hard lines of his face. “Leila it is, then.” Shiro's smirk lingered as he leaned back against the cool, rough wall of the cave, the earlier tension slowly easing from his shoulders. “It is fitting, somehow—both names are strong.”
“It feels right,” I agreed, allowing a small smile to play at the corners of my mouth. “It's the name I chose to live under, theone that's seen me through some of my darkest and brightest days.”
He nodded thoughtfully, and his gaze drifted away for a moment as if recalling his own past. “Names can be powerful,” he mused, then looked back at me with renewed interest. “So, your return to Keldara sounds…complicated.”
“Yes, it's complicated,” I admitted. Folding my arms, I considered the many layers of the upcoming journey. “But necessary. Keldara and the Crimson Clan need to find some common ground, or the tension between them will escalate beyond control. And if Mykal can help facilitate that, then it's a risk worth taking.”
Shiro pushed off from the wall, his movements fluid. “And what about Ronan? How does he feel about you leaving with Mykal?”
“Ronan understands why it’s important,” I said carefully, though the weight of his concern was never far from my mind. “He's worried, of course. He doesn't trust Mykal—not entirely. But he trusts me.”
Shiro chuckled softly. “Love and trust—a potent combination. It might be enough to keep you safe.” His expression grew serious again. “But promise me something, Leila. Be cautious. Mykal may be an ally today, but alliances can shift with the wind, especially in Keldara.”
“I know.” I felt the magnitude of his advice. “I'll be careful. I have a lot to return to, after all.”
“You do,” he affirmed, then paused, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that conveyed both his concern and his respect. “You remind me a lot of Celeste. You are both strong in your own ways without exerting physical force… although I reckon you are also one powerful blood weaver.”
I felt a warm flush of appreciation at his words. Coming from Shiro, they carried the weight of centuries of observationand experience. “Thank you, Shiro. That means a lot, especially coming from you.”
He gave a solemn nod. “Just remember that whatever happens, you have a place here with the Crimson Clan. And you have my support, should you ever need it.”
“Thank you.” The simplicity of my response belied the depth of my gratitude. “Oh… speaking of support, do you think you can help me with something?”
Shiro nodded. “Of course. Anything.”
I took a deep breath. “I want to learn blood weaving. No one’s ever taught me, and my parents are reluctant to help me. I know I’m powerful, but I’m not at the level I want to be. I want to be better.”
Shiro furrowed his brows. “Are you sure? I am no expert, but I did learn about it from Celeste. After many years, it took a toll on her body.”
I nodded firmly. “I’m sure.”
“Very well.” He extended a hand for me to shake. “When you return, I will teach you blood weaving.”
I shook his hand to seal the deal.
As I turned to depart the cave, I turned back to him. “Take care of yourself, Shiro. And maybe try to get out of this cave more often. The world has changed, but it’s not all bad out there.”
He gave a dry laugh, his crimson eyes twinkling briefly with amusement. “I will consider it. Safe travels, Leila.”
With a final nod, I stepped outside, leaving the cool shadows behind for the bright light of afternoon. As I wound back down the mountain path, I felt fortified, not just by Shiro’s words, but by the knowledge that whatever lay ahead in Keldara, I wouldn’t face it alone.
6
The vibrant colors and lively chatter of the bustling marketplace enveloped me when I stepped into the village center. I stopped by Hana’s stall, where the aroma of freshly baked lotus cookies mingled with the spicy scent of herbs hanging from the rafters. I picked up a packet of the cookies, their familiar sweetness promising a small comfort for the journey ahead. Next, I visited a nearby fruit stand, selecting a handful of fire berries. Their bright, flame-like appearance and tangy taste would be a vivid reminder of my time here with Ronan, even if that time was all too brief.
As I was carefully choosing the juiciest berries, I suddenly felt strong arms encircle me from behind. Momentary shock rippled through my limbs until Ronan’s familiar scent filled my senses—earthy and reassuring.
