Mertha, her fists clenched, said, “This is my fault, Xyenn. I shouldn’t have—.”

Xyenn interrupted her, “Hey. Shut up with that crap, oaf. Nothing is your fault. I was too damn reckless, I was doing so well, then I fucked up. Thank you for this too, now I realize I can’t be as reckless anymore. From this..I learned to focus on the task at hand. I still have a god to kill..but first his vessel..”

Mertha nodded, smirking, “Yeah, you’re still hardheaded.”

Gorron thought, ‘That’s her vessel..? Doesn’t look like much to me. I would’ve been a better fit for her.’

Kivorn saw Xyenn’s state, thinking, ‘How did he survive against Haldrek for this long? He sure is brave, or just insane. We could be good friends.’

‘Either this kid will be the end of us, or the one we have to keep saving. I don’t plan on saving him over and over.’ Sethrak said in his thoughts.

Haldrek walked forward, smiling, “Maybe we can come to an agreement—.”

Yuuna instantly looked at Haldrek, and Gorron even stepped up, pulling out a jagged edged greatsword covered in shadows, with spiraling red and orange eyes all over the blade. Called “Xenith”.

Gorron said, “This kid may be a pathetic excuse for a vessel, but you won’t be taking another step.”

Xyenn looked at him, thinking, ‘Huhh?! Who the hell is this old geezer?! Talking about me like that..but his sword…what kind of blade is that?’

The Tyrant Illyana, holding a glowing black and gold grimoire, said with a peaceful, low, and tranquil tone, “King Haldrek, you must not take another step. Please.”

Kivorn, the rune mage, rubbed his eyes and yawned, saying, “You’re kinda outnumbered….guy.”

Sethrak grinned with a cocky attitude, “Mm. And I thought I was insane. What a disgusting human.”

Zyphira leaned against her brother Sethrak, burping, “Hey, hey, hey—.”

“Focus, fool. You reek of intoxication.”

“Ewwww…Mead tastes like shit, I like Hewteks. Haha!”

Draeven was pacing back and forth, his fingers twitching nervously, smoke coming from under the wraps in his fists and body, his eyes glowing even more red.

Xyenn finally stood up, with Yuuna helping him, and Yuuna said, “Xyenn, do you wanna merge with me? We can kill him here.”

Xyenn, still breathing heavily, said, “I would more than anything else right now, but let’s hear him out. I wanna hear what this bastard has to say.”

Everyone looked at him, saying: “What?”

Gorron, his eyes and sword still looking at Haldrek, said, “Tch.”

Mertha said, “Hey, boy, do you know what you’re saying?!”

Sethrak chuckled, “Oh.”

Zyphira laughed, “Haha! I love this kid already!”

Kivorn scratched the back of his head, “Huh…? How many times did Haldrek hit you on the head..?”

Yuuna turned around and looked at Kivorn fast, and Kivorn hid behind Mertha, saying, “Oops. Sorry sorry.”

Illyana said peacefully, “Xyenn the vessel fought with honor, on Yuuna’s behalf. We must listen.”

Yuuna asked Xyenn, “What happened, Xyenn..?”

‘Shit…if only I never left him…this wouldn’t have happened.’ She thought. ‘I hope you can forgive me, I missed you too..’

Before Xyenn could speak, Haldrek said, “Yes. This stubborn whepling would not give you up to me, goddess. I am impressed, though I’ve never been impressed with anything. For a whep his age would’ve folded a hundred times over.”

Yuuna scoffed, her eyes going pitch black, her veins popping, “Don’t call him stubborn, you fucker! I’ll kill yo—.”

Xyenn immediately held Yuuna’s hand, and Yuuna started to slowly settle down.

“S-Sorry.” Yuuna frowned.

Xyenn replied, “I can feel your darkness, Yuuna. Control it…”

Haldrek continued, “Every dragon god and goddess are hunting you down, and since you have a party with you, they will be hunted down as well. And that vessel will be a bigger target than you. As of right now, I have the upper hand.”

Gorron scoffed, “Oh yeah? In what way?”

“I can inform the other gods of your whereabouts, I can lure them here easily. You all will be dead in less than 20 minutes. They will come storming over here faster than you can take 20 steps.”

Yuuna growled, “What do you want?”

“You all are hunting gods. This I know. You want to kill them one by one before they kill you. I can help you.”

Mertha stepped up, “Answer Yuuna’s question. What do you want from us?”

“Help me kill the dragon god of war. Help me gain entrance to his realm. That foolish deity has set out abominations of war into my kingdom, into Vördrheim. Beings and beasts alike that don’t have a violent nature are turning into beasts even hunters and adventurers can’t handle. They are they key to getting into his realm.”

Xyenn was about to speak up, but he couldn’t mutter any words out. The pain still hurt him, and then, he felt too much shame to talk anymore; why would anyone like him have the right to talk anymore after all that happened? He was the only one sitting there covered in blood and wounds, killed over and over and brought back, that shit was embarrassing.

Xyenn grunted at the pain in his body, Yuuna noticed, but without looking, she held onto him.

Haldrek walked back and forth, feeling it was right to continue his proposal. “We will put our battle on hold. For I do not lie. The dragon god of war, named Ezrael, he must die and not come back, and you all are the only ones with the power to make it happen.”

Kivorn asked, “So…what if they find out about us..before we can even kill him?”

“He won’t. The snow around Vördrheim is a part of me. I hear and see all where snow falls. None of you will leave this continent, that is only safer for you all.”

Yuuna asked, “Why do you want Ezrael dead?”

“….War itself is nothing but strife and sin. As long as war is around, there will always be war amongst men. For them to see the glory of snow's purity, I can save this entire world of Kyrrin. It is my calling.”

“You think killing him off would get rid of war itself? The concept of war?”

“Not just him, you too. If I can save this world and kill off the dragon gods related to war, I can finally cleanse this world of the strong ruling over the weak. Without war, everyone will thrive as one. I am a victim of being weak, but like that young whepling there, he should understand my motivations. War killed those close to me, war broke me. I will not have a repeat. And now, purifying Kyrrin and ridding the dragon gods and goddess associated with war will surely make my dream come true. And in the end, I will have a fair battle with you, Xyenn and Yuuna. Kragvyr agrees.”

Xyenn said, “Stop saying that…I’m not like you.”

Zyphira asked, “Waitttt do you think that’s actually real?!”

Sethrak added with an arrogant smirk, “If we can kill off gods related to a concept of life, the mystery behind it is if that very concept would be erased from existence, interesting.”

Illyana mentioned to Yuuna, “Goddess, please think about this. Are you having doubts?”

Yuuna said, “This bastard could betray us at any moment..I won’t let him catch us off guard.”

Gorron said, “It’s your decision, Yuuna. Don’t listen to the others.”

Kivorn pointed at Gorron, “Hey…that was mean.”

“Leave me alone.”

Mertha said, “As much as I hate Haldrek…as much as I want to kill him..”

‘Calm down, Mertha. Attacking him now would cause trouble. Control yourself.’

Draeven, off to the side alone, thought to himself, “We can’t trust Haldrek! But with his strength..”

Yuuna didn’t know what to decide. She thought about what if Haldrek could be lying and instantly deliver her to the other dragon gods? And on the other hand, with Haldrek’s status of the draconic deity of snow, he’s hold a lot of power and influence. The people and mythic races of Vördrheim fear Haldrek, the worship these beings deliver to Kragvyr because of him has maintained a powerful reputation for hundreds of years.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Haldrek was smart. He wanted to kill off the dragonic god of war and the deities associated with war itself, to hopefully erase the concept of war from Kyrrin itself. Was that even possible?! How does he know if that’s even a possibility? It could just be common sense, but that's highly unrealistic….or realistic assumption to make. Either way, Haldrek wanted to purify the world of Kyrrin, and he’s willing to use Yuuna’s and Xyenn’s drive to kill the gods before they try and take Yuuna’s heart to his advantage.

Yuuna looked at Xyenn, and she saw Xyenn was knocked out. At least trying to rest to recover his strength, Xyenn didn’t want to look anyone deep in the eyes at this moment, the shame stayed, it overwhelmed.

‘Now I really look like a fucking kid in front of everyone. I’ll pretend to be asleep so I can be alone to myself for a bit..’

Yuuna, about to say something, Haldrek had spoken, “I will give you 5 days to come up with an answer. Until then, I advise that whepling to get stronger. I will find you. And also, the noble family of Velmire will be assisting us as well.”

Haldrek blasted off with his wings, Gorron still locking eyes with his majestic form.

“I hated that I couldn’t kill him where he stood!” Gorron said with a piercing rage.

Zyphira walked up to him, saying, “You duuuumy! He would’ve lopped your head off. Haha!”

“Get away from me, you drunk! Even in a serious moment…”

“Aw come on! I don’t like gloomy moments! You know me.”

“I hate that I do.”

Sethrak approached Yuuna, “Considering the deal will help us.”

“I hate it! I hate it! This is so annoying! Like, why can’t I be more trusting?”

“You have no right trusting someone as sadistic as king Haldrek. You are right to be wary of him.”

Illyana, her hands in praying formation, added with a tranquil tone and smile, “We should use these 5 days to prepare and let Xyenn recover. After all, he’s so strong to stand up to a 400 year old King Haldrek in his current state.”

Yuuna, turned to Illyana with a malicious grin, saying, “Are you saying you want to marry Xyenn?”

Illyana chuckled softly, “Haha, no. Your jealousy is what makes you amazing. I’ll make lamb stew for everyone to celebrate tonight.”

Yuuna folded her arms, her cheeks flustered, “Hmph.”

Yuuna looked back down at Xyenn, and asked Mertha, “Could you carry him back to the house?”

“Mine?”

“Not this time. Me and the other Tyrants spotted a good safehouse for us! It has a lot of room!”

As everyone prepared to leave, Mertha picked up Xyenn, laying him over her shoulder, and the group started to move.

Yunna was leading everyone, a smile on her face, happily dancing softly under the sunset.

Mertha trailed behind everyone, and she said, “I know you’re not sleeping, brat.”

Xyenn responded, “Hm. What gave it away?”

“I’ve seen you truly sleep, there’s no comparison.”

“Got me.”

“Yuuna is happy.”

“Even after all of that? After what I went through?”

“She’s happy you’re here. You’ve calmed her down from killing everyone twice.”

“Killing everyone?”

“If she went full berserk, she definitely would’ve killed everyone around her. In that state, she’s fully consumed by her nature, darkness. But you’re the only piece of light she has to counter it.”

“Really…?”

“Ya know it’s funny. Before, she wouldn’t instantly get happy after something crazy went off. But now that you’re here, she’s not allowing you to see her in a sad state. Before, she sulked in what made her depressed. It’s great to see a change in her. She doesn’t even want to be sad around you.”

“…Does she like me or something?”

“ARE YOU THAT DENSE?! OF COURSE SHE DOES—!”

Yuuna, all the way in the front, turned around, saying with a smile, “Oi, Mertha! I hope you’re not yelling at my darling!”

“Haha, no! I’m yelling at myself! Xyenn is asleep!”

“Good! Good!”

Mertha sighed, “Damn that was close.”

Xyenn responded, “So she started being happy all of sudden, because of me?”

“That’s what I just said, didn’t I?”

“I just…like hearing it again. And why is everyone else happy?”

“Because me and the others are glad you’re alive. As Tyrants, having a successful mission completed makes our day. We’re like a family. There’s no need for them to be pouting or being depressed and all that, because you’re alive, Yuuna cried on her way up here, she demanded that you are retrieved alive.”

“She cried? Over me?”

“You and Yuuna...you two remind me of me and my old husband. We were like this. I hated for him to see me stressed out about the war around us. I would usually beat on him playfully, but that was my love language. He eventually figured out I wanted him as my husband, but he was SUPER fucking dense. Like you’re being right now.”

“Shut up.”

“Anyway, later on tonight, Yuuna might be alone in her room crying because of what happened today. She just doesn’t want you to see it.”

“…I’m glad she’s here. I really am. Though me and her banter a lot, I feel truly appreciated. I never had this feeling before.”

“Oh yeah? Neither did she. The gods wanting to kill her for her heart think they understand her. Yuuna is the only goddess in Kyrrin who everyone hates, besides us. Imagine how lonely she was, that’s why when she keeps mentioning what happened when you fought death, and what YOU said to her, it meant something to her.”

“Ooooh, I get it!”

“Finally—.”

“She wants to have my children.”

“…Uh, yeah sure. Whatever rocks your ship.”

Xyenn, flustered, said, “Someone finally likes me…after all of this time? I’m definitely becoming a man now, no more kid shit. Haha…”

Mertha grinned, saying, “That should take your mind off earlier.”

“…The worst day and the best day ever. But I still feel embarrassed, let’s not talk about it anymore until tomorrow.”

‘I don’t want to think about or talk about what happened earlier. I’m already embarrassed enough. That’s why I’m pretending to be asleep. If I am awake, I’ll know I’ll be bombarded with questions. I have to keep my mind off it at least for now..’

“You’re right. I apologize.”

At the front, Gorron stayed close to Yuuna, “Watch your step Yuuna, I don’t want you to fall and trip.”

Xyenn asked Mertha, “Who’s that gloomy old man trying to flirt with Yuuna?”

“Ehhh I don’t think it’s flirting, just overprotective. Seriously overprotective. Are you jealous?! Of him?!”

“Tch! N-No! Never.”

The snow crunched beneath their feet as the group moved through the frost-laden forest, the tension from the earlier battle slowly dissipating into the cold night. Haldrek had vanished into the distance, leaving Yuuna and her Tyrants to make their way alone. At the rear of the group, Mertha carried a weakened Xyenn silently, her eyes sharp and focused.

At the front, however, Yuuna was practically bouncing with energy, grinning wildly as she skipped ahead, humming an off-key tune. Her earlier demonic fury seemed like a distant memory; now she was all chaotic exuberance, throwing snowballs at trees and occasionally into the air for no discernible reason. She exuded the carefree enthusiasm of someone who’d just won a game, not someone who had been on the verge of tearing the world apart moments earlier.

Behind her, the Tyrants trudged along, each with their own quirks on full display.

Kivorn, ever the embodiment of laziness, dragged his feet, barely lifting them off the ground. His heavy eyelids drooped, and he let out a long, exaggerated yawn.

"Why are we walking? Can’t we just... I don’t know... teleport or something?" His words were slow, almost slurred with fatigue. "This is so much effort..." He motioned vaguely to the snow around them, as if the very idea of continuing was more than he could handle.

Zyphira, clearly not suffering from the same exhaustion, let out a loud laugh and elbowed her twin brother, Sethrak, who walked beside her, his posture regal and unbothered.

"Quit your whining, Kivornie! We’ve barely started, and you’re already acting like you’re about to pass out!" She swayed slightly as she walked, taking a swig from the flask that seemed to magically appear in her hand. “Besides, when we get to town, the real fun begins! Drinks, dancing, maybe a good brawl or two!” She drunk another swig of her hidden bottle of alcohol.

Kivorn blinked slowly, as if struggling to process her words. "My name is Kivorn…and You know what sounds better than all that? A nap. Right here. Right now."

Zyphira cackled, while Sethrak rolled his eyes, his expression one of calm superiority. His voice dripped with condescension, yet somehow remained elegant.

"Typical. While you dream of drunken brawls and Kivorn fantasizes about collapsing into the nearest snowbank, I shall be contemplating something far more sophisticated." He smirked, his tone cutting like a blade wrapped in silk. "Perhaps I’ll enjoy a night of intellectual conversation, though I doubt anyone in this group is capable of such a thing."

Zyphira shot him a sideways glance. "Intellectual conversation? You mean listening to yourself talk about how great you are?"

Sethrak’s smirk widened. "Precisely. It’s a topic that never fails to be fascinating."

Ilyana, ever the peaceful priestess, floated between the two of them like a gentle breeze, her face bright with a smile that could melt the coldest snow.

“Now, now. Let’s not bicker—it’s such a beautiful sunset, isn’t it?” Her voice was soft, like a blanket of warmth in the freezing air. "The stars are shining, the air is crisp, and Xyenn is safe. Isn’t that something to celebrate?"

Zyphira chuckled, taking another swig from her flask. "Celebrate what? That Kivorn hasn’t collapsed yet?"

Kivorn, eyes half-closed, raised a hand weakly. "I can still hear you."

Ilyana giggled, patting Kivorn gently on the back. "You’re doing great, Kivorn. Just a little further. And Zyphira, you’d feel so much better if you focused on the little things—like how beautiful the snow looks, or how lucky we are to be together. It’s all beautiful.”

Zyphira rolled her eyes and waved her flask. "Yeah, yeah, appreciate the snow. Whatever you say, sunshine."

Sethrak, sensing an opportunity, chuckled softly. "Yes, sister, why not focus on the snowflakes? I’m sure they’ll be fascinating after another drink or two. Drunkard.”

Draeven, who had been hanging toward the back of the group, shifted nervously. His dark cloak billowed slightly as he fidgeted with his hands, his glowing eyes darting between the others.

"Um... m-maybe we should... you know... just keep walking quietly?" His voice was barely above a whisper, laced with anxiety. He tugged his hood lower over his face, as if trying to hide from the conversation entirely.

Zyphira, as expected, wasn’t about to let him off the hook so easily. “Stop being such a shadowy little wreck. Lighten up there. Have a drink with me!” She shoved the flask toward him, grinning.

Draeven’s eyes widened, and he waved his hands frantically. “N-no, no, no! I’m good! Really! No poison for me, thanks.”

Zyphira shrugged, taking another swig. “Your loss, shadow boy.”

At the front of the group, Gorran marched in grim silence, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. His massive greatsword, Xenith, rested on his back, its red, spiraling eyes glowing faintly, as though always watching. His focus, however, was entirely on Yuuna, who continued bouncing ahead with reckless abandon.

“Yuuna,” he growled, his voice low and gravelly. “Stay focused. We’re still in dangerous territory. I’ll keep you safe if anything happens.”

Yuuna, barely paying attention, turned around mid-skip and blew a raspberry at him. “Focus, schmocus! We’re fine! Look, nothing’s gonna happen!” She threw her arms out wide, spinning in a circle, snow flying everywhere.

Gorran’s scowl deepened. He gripped Xenith tightly, his knuckles turning white. “You’re being reckless. If we attract anything hostile…l

Zyphira, watching the scene unfold, burst into laughter. “Gorrannnn. You’re like a grumpy old man watching over his kids at a festival.”

Sethrak’s lips curled into a smirk. “Indeed, Gorran, perhaps you’re better suited to babysitting than wielding that oversized sword of yours. Careful, or you might throw your back out.”

Gorran glared at him. “Say that again, and I’ll show you just how ‘oversized’ this sword can be.” His hand twitched, ready to draw Xenith.

Ilyana stepped in quickly, her voice as soothing as ever. "Let’s not be hasty. It was just a little fun, right? Isn’t Yuuna’s energy just contagious? It’s wonderful, really.”

Gorran’s eye twitched. “Wonderful? It’s a liability. But it is my duty to be near her at all times.”

As they continued onward, the banter carried through the cold night air, Kivorn dragging his feet, Zyphira and Sethrak trading insults, Ilyana trying to keep the peace, and Draeven nervously wishing he could vanish. Gorran, ever vigilant, kept his eyes trained on Yuuna, though his patience was tested at every turn by her wild antics.

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silver glow over the vast stretch of snow-covered land. The wind whispered through the trees, and in the distance, a large, imposing structure began to take shape through the frost-filled air—a mansion, long and sprawling, its dark silhouette rising against the backdrop of the snowy forest. The Tyrants trudged toward it, their exhaustion palpable after hours of walking, their breaths visible in the cold night.

The mansion—once the grand estate of the Velmire noble family—stood as a testament to a bygone era. Built centuries ago, it had housed generations of Velmires, a powerful lineage known for their wealth, influence, and mysterious dealings in both politics and magic. Now abandoned, the mansion had become a silent, frozen monument to their fall. Its stone walls were thick and rugged, covered in snow and ivy, and its windows, though dark, still held traces of their former grandeur with intricate carvings around the frames. The mansion boasted over 200 rooms, each one said to have been designed with meticulous attention to detail, though now most sat empty, collecting dust from years of disuse.

The main entrance was a set of enormous double doors, weathered but still standing strong, flanked by stone gargoyles that seemed to watch over the estate. The roof was steep and jagged, its edges lined with snow, and several towering chimneys stretched toward the sky, promising warmth within.

As the group approached, the sight of the mansion reenergized them. The idea of warmth and shelter after hours of walking through the snow sparked a frenzy, as if the exhaustion that had plagued them moments before had suddenly vanished.

Zyphira, despite her drunken state, was the first to dart forward, her eyes wide with excitement. “I call first! Move!!” she yelled, her voice echoing through the cold air, as she bolted toward the doors, stumbling slightly but regaining her balance with surprising agility.

Kivorn, who had been practically sleepwalking, suddenly found a burst of energy. “I’m calling the room with the biggest bed…and blankets..” He yawned mid-sprint but somehow managed to keep pace with Zyphira.

Sethrak, ever the strategist, smirked. “As if any of you have the taste to choose the best room.” He moved swiftly, his long cloak billowing behind him as he made a beeline for the mansion’s entrance.

Draeven, though nervous, didn’t want to be left behind. “W-wait! There’s enough rooms for everyone!” But his protests fell on deaf ears as the others stormed ahead.

Ilyana, ever the optimist, smiled serenely. “Oh, this is going to be so much fun. So many rooms to choose from.” She skipped after them, her cheerful demeanor completely unfazed by the chaotic rush.

Gorran, however, had a different priority altogether. He marched forward with purpose, his expression serious as always, his eyes locked on Yuuna, who still led the pack. “I’ll take the room closest to Yuuna,” he declared, as if it were already decided.

Zyphira, hearing his declaration, snickered. “She’ll be fine. You don’t need to stand guard over her like some overprotective father.”

“I’m not interested in your opinions,” Gorran snapped, his grip tightening on the hilt of Xenith. “I will be by her side, whether you approve or not.”

“Ooh, scary.”

But Yuuna—Yuuna had her own plans. She grinned mischievously, eyes darting toward Xyenn, who was still slung over Mertha’s shoulder, pretending to be unconscious. She jogged over to him, her energy seemingly boundless despite the long day.

“Alright, everyone!” Yuuna called out, waving her hand. “Me and Xyenn are sharing a room, so don’t even think about it!” Her declaration was loud and confident, leaving no room for argument.

Xyenn, who had been feigning sleep, felt his heart skip a beat. He had been doing his best to keep his eyes closed, his body limp, but with every passing moment near Yuuna, his senses were on high alert. Her scent, her voice, even the way she carried him—it all made his pulse race, his cheeks flushing with warmth. He was supposed to be out cold, but his body betrayed him at every moment Yuuna was near.

‘Hold yourself together…Xyenn!’

Gorran’s brow furrowed in disapproval. “Yuuna, that’s—”

“Nope! No arguments!” Yuuna cut him off with a playful wave, already lifting Xyenn from Mertha’s arms with surprising ease. She swung him over her shoulder like he weighed nothing, even though he was taller and heavier than her. “Come on, sleepyhead,” she teased, bouncing him slightly. “Top floor! We’re taking the most super secluded room, and none of you are invited!”

Sethrak crossed his arms, one eyebrow raised, suspicion dancing across his features. “Convenient, isn’t it, that Xyenn’s supposed to be unconscious, yet he manages to blush every time you touch him? Seems Haldrek really did mess up his head.”

Zyphira leaned in conspiratorially. “You sure he’s not just faking it, Yuuna?”

“I’m gonna find out.” Yuuna laughed, already halfway up the grand staircase that led to the upper floors. And with that, she disappeared around the corner, Xyenn’s face completely flushed as he continued his act of feigned unconsciousness.

‘I’m doomed! She’s gonna rip me apart this time..’

The room Yuuna chose was at the very top of the mansion, far from the others, just as she’d said. It was large, with a slanted ceiling and a wide window that overlooked the snowy landscape outside. The bed was massive, draped in thick blankets and furs, with a roaring fireplace that crackled softly in the corner, casting a warm glow around the spacious room.

With a gentle motion, Yuuna laid Xyenn down on the bed, her movements surprisingly tender given her usual chaotic energy. She sat beside him, her expression softening as she watched him. Her earlier excitement faded, replaced by something deeper, more solemn.

For a long moment, she just watched him, her eyes tracing the lines of his face. Her hands trembled slightly as she gripped the edge of the bed, her knuckles white with tension. Slowly, her gaze softened even further, and a single tear slid down her cheek. It fell silently, landing on Xyenn’s face.

Xyenn, who had been doing a commendable job of pretending to sleep, felt the tear hit him, and his heart ached at the emotion behind it. He resisted the urge to open his eyes, but the moment he felt Yuuna’s hand gently wipe the tear from his face, he couldn’t help it. His eyes fluttered open, meeting hers.

Yuuna froze, her hand still resting on his cheek.

Their eyes locked.