Mia swallowed whatever storm was rising in her chest.
Then she nodded.
Once.
No words.
Her form shifted—scales melting into skin, wings folding into nothing, claws softening into trembling fingers. The black dragon vanished, leaving a girl standing in the ruins of a battlefield.
She didn't look back.
Not at Varkryth.
Not at Ebruhan.
Because if she did—
she might not walk.
So she turned…
and left.
The Abyss corridors stretched before her, lit by molten veins and drifting motes of dim mana-light. The world felt quieter now, like even the monsters knew something important was happening.
They bowed as she passed.
Not out of fear.
Out of recognition.
But Mia barely noticed.
Her steps were quick at first.
Then slower.
Heavier.
Each one felt like it was pulling something out of her chest.
The path was familiar now.
Too familiar.
She reached the chamber.
The door stood where it always had.
Still.
Silent.
She paused in front of it.
Her hand hovered—
hesitated—
then pushed it open.
Inside, nothing had changed.
Soft light.
Warm air.
And there—
Nythera.
She turned the moment the door opened, blue eyes lighting up instantly.
"Mia—?"
She stepped forward, relief already forming—
then stopped.
Because she saw it.
The expression.
The silence.
The weight.
"…What happened?"
Mia didn't answer right away.
She just stood there.
Looking at her.
At the woman who called her "little star."
At the one who had waited twelve years.
At the one who had lost her once already.
Her throat tightened.
"…I'm leaving."
The words came out quieter than she expected.
Nythera froze.
"…Leaving?"
Mia nodded.
"…He's letting me go."
Silence.
A long one.
Nythera's hands slowly lowered.
"…I see."
She stepped closer.
Careful.
Like approaching something fragile.
"…You're choosing them."
Not a question.
Just truth.
Mia looked down for a second.
Then back up.
"…I don't know what I am yet."
Honest.
Messy.
Real.
"But… I can't just stay here."
Her voice shook slightly.
"I have people waiting for me."
Nythera's eyes softened.
There was pain there.
But no anger.
"…Of course you do."
A small, sad smile and
She reached out—
and gently placed a hand on Mia's cheek.
Warm.
Careful.
Memorizing.
"My little star…"
Her voice almost broke.
"…you came back to me for a moment."
A pause.
"…That's already more than I ever hoped for."
Mia's chest tightened.
"…I'll come back."
The promise slipped out before she could stop it.
Nythera blinked.
"…Will you?"
Mia nodded.
This time, firmer.
"…Yeah."
Nythera smiled.
Not because she fully believed it.
But because she wanted to.
"That's enough."
She pulled Mia into a hug.
Tight.
Not letting go easily.
Mia froze for a second—
then slowly returned it.
Awkward.
Unsure.
But real.
They stayed like that for a moment.
In a place that was never meant to be gentle.
When they finally pulled apart—
Nythera brushed Mia's hair back.
"…Go."
Soft.
But steady.
Mia at the doorway.
Just one step away from leaving—
and then Nythera's voice reached her.
"If you ever feel like visiting me.This place will always be open to you, my little star."
Mia turned back.
Nythera was already moving, her hand lifting slightly as dark purple mana gathered—gentle this time, controlled, almost delicate.
From it—
something formed.
An obsidian necklace.
Smooth. Black as the Abyss itself. Faintly glowing from within, like it held a quiet piece of night.
Nythera stepped closer and held it out.
"…Here."
A small smile.
"I made this for you."
Mia blinked.
"…For me?"
Nythera nodded.
"It will resonate with your mana."
Her fingers brushed over the surface of the necklace.
"A part of mine is woven into it."
A pause.
"…So even if you're far away…"
Her voice softened.
"…you won't be completely alone."
That landed harder than any blow in the arena.
Mia hesitated for a second—
then reached out.
Her fingers closed around the necklace.
It was warm.
Not cold like it looked.
Warm.
Alive.
"…Thank you…"
The words came out quiet.
But real.
Nythera stepped closer again, gently lifting the necklace and placing it around Mia's neck.
Her hands lingered there for a moment.
Just a moment.
"…Take care of yourself."
Then, softer—
"…and don't forget who you are."
Mia nodded.
Her hand rose, touching the necklace lightly.
"…I won't."
A beat.
"…I think."
Nythera smiled at that.
Because that uncertainty?
That was honest.
And honesty meant she was still finding her way.
"…That's enough."
She stepped back.
Letting her go.
Mia took one last look at her—
really looked this time—
then turned.
And walked out.
The monsters lining the fractured paths lowered their heads as Varkryth passed—and this time, they did the same for Mia.
Not as a prisoner.
As something acknowledged.
At the edge of the Abyss, where the cracked earth gave way to open sky, Varkryth stopped.
Mia and Ebruhan turned.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Varkryth gave a small nod.
"I have already given you a gift."
His gaze flicked briefly to her wing—to the mark that now belonged to the Abyss.
"You may return here at any time."
No warmth.
No threat.
Just fact.
Mia's eyes lingered on him for a second longer—
then she looked away.
"…Let's go."
Ebruhan didn't need to be told twice.
They took to the sky.
The Abyss shrank behind them.
The air changed.
The weight lifted.
Freedom—quiet, fragile, but real.
For thirty minutes, they flew.
No words.
Just wind and distance.
Until finally—
they landed.
Outside.
Safe.
For the first time in what felt like forever.
Mia touched down—
then immediately shifted into human form.
Ebruhan barely had time to land properly before—
SMACK.
Her palm hit his snout.
Clean.
Loud.
Personal.
Ebruhan recoiled, blinking, one paw instantly coming up to his nose.
"…Ow."
He rubbed it, offended.
"What was that for?"
Mia stared at him.
Then exploded.
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!"
Her voice echoed across the empty land.
"YOU COULD HAVE DIED, YOU IDIOT!"
Ebruhan winced slightly, ears flattening.
"…I mean, I wasn't expecting a warm welcome either…"
"THEN WHY COME?!"
She stepped forward, fists clenched, eyes blazing.
"YOU ALMOST DIED!"
Ebruhan paused.
For once—
he didn't joke immediately.
He looked away for a second.
Then back at her.
"…Because I made a promise."
Simpler this time.
Quieter.
"To Leo."
Mia froze.
"…He was worried about you."
A small breath.
"…He cried."
That hit.
Harder than expected.
Mia's anger flickered—
stumbled—
but didn't disappear.
"…Grr—!"
She turned slightly, running a hand through her hair in frustration.
"Still—!"
Ebruhan lifted a shoulder.
"…Hey."
A faint, tired grin.
"At least I got you out, right?"
"…That's not helping, Ebruhan."
He tilted his head slightly, watching her.
"…You were worried about me?"
Mia snapped her head toward him.
"…Is that even a question?!"
Silence.
Then—
Ebruhan smiled.
Not smug.
Not teasing.
Just… relieved.
"…Good."
Mia blinked.
"…What?"
He shook his head slightly.
"Nothing."
A pause.
The tension eased—just a little.
They stood there for a moment, the wind passing between them, the Abyss far behind… but not entirely gone.
Mia exhaled slowly.
"…We should go back."
Ebruhan nodded.
"…Yeah."
But neither moved immediately.
Because some things…
needed a second to settle.
They took to the sky again.
Wind rushed past them, cleaner now, lighter—no more abyss mana pressing down on every breath. Just open air and distance.
For a while, they flew in silence.
Then—
Mia glanced sideways.
"…So."
A small pause.
"How long is this going to take to get back?"
Ebruhan didn't even look at her.
"Two days. With mana flight."
Mia's face immediately dropped.
"…Ugh. That far?"
"Yeah."
Beat.
The wind filled the gap again—until Mia spoke, quieter this time.
"…How long were you fighting in there?"
Ebruhan shrugged mid-flight, like getting half-killed for weeks was a casual hobby.
"…Eighteen days. I think."
Mia nearly choked on air.
"EIGHTEEN—?!"
She turned fully toward him now.
"You were fighting for eighteen days just to get captured and almost killed by my—"
She stopped herself.
"…my possible dad?"
Ebruhan scratched his cheek a little, awkward even while flying.
"…Well, yeah."
A pause.
"I got ambushed near the fourth layer."
He said it like he was talking about getting caught in the rain.
"…Bunch of top-tier generals."
Mia stared at him.
Long.
Hard.
Processing.
"…You're insane."
Ebruhan tilted his head.
"I prefer 'committed.'"
"That's not better."
"It sounds better."
"It really doesn't."
A small silence passed—
then Mia exhaled, shaking her head.
"…You went through all that…"
Her voice dropped slightly.
"…for me."
Ebruhan didn't answer right away.
Didn't joke.
Didn't deflect.
"…I said I would."
Simple.
Direct.
That same stubborn line.
Mia looked away quickly.
"…Still crazy."
Wind streamed past them, the sky stretching wide and empty ahead.
Ebruhan spoke without looking at her.
"You saved me from that red dragon back then."
A small pause.
"So this? Just returning the favor."
He shifted slightly in the air, voice steady.
"As a friend."
Another beat.
"As a mentor."
Then, softer—
"…as a brother."
Mia's wings faltered for half a second.
Not enough to fall.
Just enough to feel it.
"…Stop it."
It came out quieter than she intended.
Ebruhan glanced sideways, one brow lifting.
"…So, not accepted?"
Mia frowned, looking away, cheeks tightening just a little.
"I didn't say that either."
A pause hung between them.
Ebruhan let out a small breath, something like a laugh but softer.
"…Good."
Mia rolled her eyes, trying to recover her usual edge.
"Don't get used to it."
"Too late."
She shot him a look.
He didn't back down.
For a second, it almost turned into another argument—
then it didn't.
The tension melted into something lighter.
Not gone.
Just… changed.
Mia exhaled slowly, adjusting her flight.
"…You're still crazy, though."
Ebruhan grinned.
"Yeah."
Ebruhan tilted his head slightly.
"So… how was Abyss training?"
A beat.
Then, with just a hint of mischief—
"Better than mine?"
Mia went completely still mid-flight.
"…."
That silence said more than words ever could.
Ebruhan blinked.
"…That bad?"
Mia slowly turned her head toward him.
Her expression?
Flat.
Tired.
Haunted, but trying to pretend it wasn't.
"…I don't want to talk about it."
A pause.
Then she added, quieter—
"…you'd be surprised."
Ebruhan studied her for a second.
No jokes this time.
No teasing.
"…That bad, huh."
Mia looked forward again, eyes narrowing slightly as if replaying something she really wished she wasn't.
"Let's just say…"
A small exhale.
"…if your training was hell…"
She paused.
"…that place makes hell look like a warm-up."
Ebruhan let out a low whistle.
"…Noted."
Another stretch of silence.
Then—
"…You survived it, though."
Mia didn't answer immediately.
"…Yeah."
Quiet.
But firm.
"…I did."
Mia looks ahead,
"So.. to my home?"
Ebruhan smiles
"Yes, to home"
Two days later—
The estate breathed again.
Leo dragged himself through the front doors, shoulders slumped, academy uniform slightly messy, eyes heavy from weeks of restless nights.
One and a half months.
Too long.
Way too long.
He kicked his shoes off half-heartedly and muttered—
"I'm tired…"
From the hallway, Vinson's voice cut in.
"Leo."
Leo groaned.
"…What now, dad?"
"You might want to see this."
Leo didn't even turn.
"I said I'm tired—"
"Now."
That tone.
Leo paused.
Sighed dramatically.
"…Fineee. I'm coming."
He shuffled after his father, steps slow, reluctant, like each one cost extra effort.
Until—
they stepped outside.
Vinson raised a hand and pointed toward the sky.
Leo followed his gaze.
Two figures.
Flying.
Getting closer.
Closer—
His eyes widened.
"…No way…"
His breath caught.
"…Is that…?"
A beat.
Then—
"MIA?!"
They landed.
Wind scattered leaves across the courtyard as two dragons touched ground.
One blue.
One black.
Mia shifted first, her form folding into human shape just as her feet hit the ground—
And before she could even steady herself—
impact.
Leo crashed into her.
Arms wrapped tight.
Too tight.
He was shaking.
"MIA—!!YOU BACK!!!"
His voice broke instantly.
"I THOUGHT I LOST YOU—!!"
Tears poured like he'd been holding them hostage for weeks.
"YOU BAD DRAGON!!"
He pulled back just enough to look at her—
only to hug her again even tighter.
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH I WORRIED?!"
Mia froze for half a second—
then slowly, awkwardly, wrapped her arms around him.
"…Yeah…"
Quiet.
Soft.
"I kinda do…"
Leo just cried harder.
No dignity.
No restraint.
Just relief finally breaking through.
A few steps away—
Vinson stood still, watching.
Taking it in.
Then his gaze shifted to Ebruhan.
There was weight in his eyes.
Recognition.
Gratitude.
"…You actually did it."
Ebruhan gave a small nod.
Tired.
But steady.
"Dragon's word, sir."
Simple.
Unshaken.
Vinson held his gaze for a moment longer—
then nodded once in return.
That was enough.
Behind them—
Leo still refused to let go.
Mia let out a small breath, half stuck between amused and overwhelmed.
"…You're crushing me."
"GOOD."
"…That's not reassuring."
"I DON'T CARE—YOU'RE NOT LEAVING AGAIN."
Mia blinked.
Then—
for once—
she didn't argue.
"…Yeah."
A small pause.
"…I'm back."
The courtyard didn't stay quiet for long.
Word spread like wildfire.
Servants. Guards. Even a few startled trainees from the grounds—
all gathering, all talking at once.
"She's back—!" "Lady Mia—!" "Is that really her?!"
The estate, which had felt a little emptier for weeks, suddenly snapped back to life.
Mia stood in the middle of it, still half-held by Leo, surrounded by voices and faces and warmth that felt… different from the Abyss.
Lighter.
Safer.
Real.
For a moment, she just stood there.
Then—
she smiled.
Small.
But genuine.
Her eyes shifted, searching—
and found him.
Ebruhan.
Still in dragon form, a little scuffed, a little too quiet for someone who just pulled off something insane.
Their eyes met.
No big speech.
No dramatic thanks.
Just—
a look.
Mia gave a slight nod.
Something between thank you and you're an idiot.
Ebruhan returned it.
Simple.
Understood.
Then he stretched his wings slightly, letting out a tired breath.
"Yeah…"
He glanced at the sky like it was calling his name.
"I'm gonna head off."
A pause.
"…Need a nap after all that."
Leo looked up, still clinging to Mia.
"Wait—you're leaving already?!"
Ebruhan gave a half-smile.
"If I stay, I'll probably fall asleep mid-conversation."
Fair point.
Mia crossed her arms slightly, pretending to be unimpressed.
"…Don't die on the way to your bed."
Ebruhan snorted.
"No promises."
With one strong flap—
he took off.
Blue wings cutting through the air, rising higher, smaller, until he became just another shape against the sky.
Gone.
Mia watched him for a second longer than necessary.
Then—
she looked back.
At Leo.
At Vinson.
At the estate.
At home.
And for once…
everything felt like it was exactly where it should be.