Paths Beyond (Under Rewrite)

Chapter 21: Sacrifice and Legacy

"And I missed you, Serene," Tear added, her voice softer. "I still practiced while you were gone... just like you showed me—"

Her words cut off abruptly, her eyes wide with horror as she clamped a hand over her mouth.

Serene chuckled softly, bumping Tear's shoulder playfully. "It's fine, Tear. Grey was going to find out eventually. She's been learning how to hunt with me, Grey—well, before we left for the Grand Hunt."

Grey's brow lifted as he turned to Tear, who was now shrinking slightly between them, her turquoise hair nearly hiding her face.

"You and Stilra are both walking the same path, huh?" His voice was gentle, free of any hint of disapproval. "That's good. Just... don't go into the woods. Not yet. Not without someone you trust."

Tear peeked up at him, her eyes shimmering faintly in the firelight. "Okay, Grey. I promise."

The room settled into silence once more, warm and heavy with quiet understanding. The crackle of the fire filled the stillness, and the soft glow of the embers painted the three of them in hues of orange and gold.

For now, they were safe. For now, they were home.

And for tonight, that was enough.

Morning crept into the small room, soft light filtering through the gaps in the cloth door. The stillness was broken by Shot's sharp, cheerful voice.

"Grey, Tear, get up. Elder wants everyone to gather."

Grey stirred, groaning softly as he rubbed his eyes. Tear, still half-buried in her cocoon of pelts, whimpered and covered her ears with her small hands. Instinctively, she scooted closer to Serene, who was only just starting to wake.

Grey shot up, his silver eyes sharp despite the lingering haze of sleep. "Alright, we'll be there in a moment!"

"Great!" Shot's voice carried an edge of humor. "Hurry up. We can swing by Serene's place and head to the village square together."

Grey glanced at Tear, who was still curled up beside Serene, her small hands clutching the older girl's arm tightly. Her turquoise-blue hair stuck up in odd directions, and her bright pine-green eyes peeked out sleepily.

"Come on, Tear. We gotta go. You don't want to get left behind, do you?" Grey said gently.

Tear let out a long yawn, stretching her small arms before blinking a few times. "Alright..." she mumbled but stayed latched onto Serene like a stubborn burr.

Together, the trio finally managed to shuffle out of the warm room and into the cold morning air.

__

Shot stood outside, arms crossed, her smirk already spreading wide across her face as the cloth door rustled and the three of them stepped out. Her sharp eyes zeroed in on Serene, and Grey felt an immediate sense of dread.

"Well, look who decided to finally join us," Shot said, her voice laced with mischief.

Her sharp eyes flicked down to Tear, who was still clutching Serene's hand tightly.

"Tear!" Shot greeted her with an exaggerated grin. "You sticking to Serene like glue now? What, is Grey not good enough to hold onto?"

Tear blinked up at Shot with her bright pine-green eyes and shrugged. "Serene's warmer."

Serene groaned softly, her face turning crimson. "Shot..."

Shot's grin grew wider as she leaned forward slightly. "What's wrong, Serene? Feeling shy now? You're usually so confident during training."