Alethea clung to her parents' lifeless bodies, oblivious to the stench of decay, Five days had passed since the destruction, but her grief remained raw.

Tears streamed down her face as she whispered forgotten memories the voice cracking . Her parents cold skin felt like ice against her cheek. She couldn't bear to let go.

The ruins of their home,once filled with laughter, now lay silent. Althea's mind reeled,trapped in a cycle of pain.

Suddenly footsteps ecuad through the desolation.

A stranger approached, hus features etched with weariness.

Alethea didn't notice.

The stranger's gaze fell upon the heartbreaking

scene.

A young girl clinging to her deceased parents.

His expression faltered, memories of his own lost family

resurfacing. He knelt beside her, his movements gentle.

Suddenly distant shorts and changing steel echoed through the ruins.

"Soldiers," he muttered, his eyes scanning the horizon. The girl snapped up,her eyes blazing with fury. "let them come,"she growled, teeth clenched.

I'll kill them all,"she vowed, voice trembling with rage.

The stranger's expression turned grave.

"Hey,kid,we need to go,"he whispered urgently. But she shrugged off his restraint.

"I'll show them no mercy,"she spat.

The stranger swiftly lifted her, cradling her against his chest.

"We can't take them on,not now,", he whispered.

The girl struggled,kicking and punching.

"Let me go!"she screamed,but the stranger held firm, shielding her from the approaching soldiers. As they fled, the girl's angry cries. echoed through the ruins.

....

As Arin fled with Alethea,his mind reeled.

What was he getting himself into?

This kid's got spirit,but she's just a child.

He recalled his own losses: family, friends, home.

The kingdom of Thanos' brutality knew no bounds.

He'd lost everyone, but this girl.

Something about her determination resonated.

He'd protect her, for now.

But what lay ahead?

More danger? More Loss?

Arin's grip on her tightened. He'd face those

questions later. first they needed to survive.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

They navigated through ruins, avoiding Tharrosian patrols.

Her struggles subsided, replaced by exhaustion.

Arin found a temporary haven- an abandoned alley,

He gently set her down, examining her, Bruises, scrapes,

but no fatal wounds.

Arin's gaze met her defiant eyes. "You are safe,

for now,"he said.

Her expression softened,barely.

"Who are you?, she whispered, "and why did you

save me?"

Arin smiled faintly. "I'm Arin. I saved you because

you needed help. That's all."

Alethea's eyes blazed with anger.

"Why did you interfere?"she spat. You could've

left me alone "

Arin's expression softened, but he didn't answer. Alethea's face twisted in anguish.

"Why did you have to save me?" She demanded "what's the point now?"

Arin's silence was oppressive,fueling Alethea's frustration.

"Everyone I love is gone,"she said, her voice cracking.

Tears fell from her eyes like a waterfall.

Arin's gaze faltered, his resolve weakening.

Alethea's sobs deepened, her body shaking.

He took a step closer, hesitance etched on his face

"Kid.... he whispered, his voice barely audible.

But he stopped unsure how to comfort her.

Tears streamed down Alethea's face mixed with

anguish. "Why did they have to die?" She wailed.

Arin's eyes mirrored her pain.

He stood frozen, witness to her shattering world Suddenly, Alethea's knees buckled.

Arin rushed forward catching her.

She collapsed into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

For a moment, Arin held her, his embrace a fragile sanctuary.

Alethea's tear slowed, her ragged breathing calming. Arin's grip loosened,and he stepped back.

"We should rest, he said, his voice gentle. "Dawn comes' svon."

Alethea nodded, wiping her tears.

Arin handed her a canteen. "Drink.You'll need your strength."

Alethea took a sip, her eyes locked on Arin's. "What now?" asked.

Arin's expression turned resolute. "Time to move,"he said gently.

Alethea nodded, still sniffling.

Arin gestured down the alley . "Follow me."

Alethea fell into step beside him.

The alley's shadows deepened, darkness pooling around them.

Arin navigated the narrow passage with ease.

Alethea followed, her eyes fixed on his back.

The silence between them was oppressive. Suddenly Arin stopped. Alethea almost collided with him. "What?" she whispered.

Arin's gaze scanned the roof tops.

Arin's gare swept the rooftops once more.

Satisfied, he nodded and continued forward.

Alethea followed, her senses heightened.

The alley opened with a broader street, the sky was ablaze with hues of crimson and gold.

Alethea breathed in, feeling a semblance of calm

Aran led her through winding streets, they walked in

silence, the city's evening sounds surrounding them.

.....

They spent the night in an abandoned temple,shadows

dancing upon crumbling walls. Their journey continued,

footsteps echoing through desolate streets.

Everywhere,abandonment and devastation. Bloodstained buildings,bodies strewn like discarded dolls.

Suddenly, a faint murmur broke the stillness.

Whispers, rustling leaves, snapping twigs.

Arin and Alethea exchanged wary glances. "Someone's

there," Arin whispered, hand on Alethea's arm.

Alethea's eyes narrowed, alert.

They slowed, senses heightened, scanning surroundings. A figure emerged from the haze.

Arin and Alethea stood firm,cautious. For a tense moment, no one moved.

Then the stranger approached,hands visible. Arin and Alethea watched, guarded. The stranger halted,studying them.

"Where are you headed?" the stranger asked,voice neutral.

Arin's grip on his dagger tightened "We're just passing through, he replied evasively.

The stranger's persistent smile began to unsettle Alethea:

"I see," he said. Rough road ahead. Bandits, wild beasts ...."

Alethea's eyes narrowed. "How do you know this?" she asked.

The stranger's smile faltered for a moment before

he regained his composure. "Travelers' tales," he said

vaguely. "I've heard rumors."

" Ann

"We're not looking for company,"he said gruffly.

The stranger stepped closer, undeterred. "I seek

companionship, safety in numbers, you know?"

Alethea's guard began to lessen as she sensed no hostility or threat coming from the stranger.

His calm demeanor and genuine smile put her at ease. However, Arin's wariness remained. His eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the stranger's every move.

I'm K...," the stranger started, extending his hand.

Before he could finish, a group of rough-looking men emerged from the shadows, surrounding them.

"You!" one growled, pointing at the stranger. " You stole from us."

Alethea's eyes flashed with a battle-honed instinct

assessing the situation.

Ann grasped her arm,his voice low. This doesn't concen us. Let's go."

But the men closed in, trapping them.

"You're with him now," one sneered."You'll pay for his thievery."

Alethea's gaze locked onto the stranger,then swept the surrounding men,calculating risks and strategies.

The stranger's expression darkened. 'I..."

"Stay put," a rough-looking man snarled, his hand on the hilt of the sword. "No one leaves until this is settled."

Arin's grip on Alethea's arm tightened.