Runa’s legs trembled, and she staggered back a step as though unable to believe what stood before her. The tears in her eyes spilled freely now, streaming down her cheeks in silver trails.
The towering dragon lowered his massive body, the earth trembling beneath his weight. His golden eyes, bright as twin suns, softened as they locked onto her. Slowly, carefully, he lowered his head until his snout rested gently upon the ground, close enough for the little girl to reach.
The warmth of his breath surrounded her, carrying a faint, soothing chill like winter’s first snowfall.
"Do you rember?" Ryuzen’s voice was quieter now, like a whisper rolling from the depths of a mountain. "You kept alive when I was nothing but a helpless hatchling. You shared your food, your warmth, and even your laughter... You gave sothing no one else had given . A reason to live."
Runa’s small hands clenched at her chest, her heart aching from the weight of his words. Her lips trembled as she whispered, "I thought I would never see you again..."
She took a hesitant step forward, then another, until she was standing directly before his massive head. Her reflection shimred in his golden eyes. Slowly, almost fearfully, she lifted her hand and pressed it against his scaled cheek. The scales were firm yet warm, thrumming with energy that made her small body shiver.
The mont her palm touched him, mories surged—of cold nights in the forest where she wrapped his tiny body in her arms, of feeding him crumbs of her own bread, of whispering to him when she felt lonely. The bond they had once shared was undeniable, etched into her very soul.
"Yuki..." she choked on his na, her voice breaking apart. "You really ca back for ."
The colossal dragon rumbled softly, a sound that carried both strength and tenderness. "I never left you, Runa. Even when I grew stronger, even when I changed, I never forgot. Your kindness is carved into , deeper than any scar. I swore that one day, I would return and stand before you not as sothing you needed to protect... but as the one who will protect you."
Her knees gave out, and she fell against his snout, sobbing freely. Her tiny arms tried to wrap around him, as though embracing the impossible. Ryuzen remained still, letting her cry, letting her cling to him as if he were the only truth in the world.
Above them, the sky deepened into twilight, stars beginning to pierce through the darkening veil. The dragon’s glowing scales reflected the starlight, making it seem as if the heavens themselves had co down to et the earth.
For the first ti in what felt like forever, Runa felt safe. And not alone.
"Runa,you don’t have to be alone anymore. Not now."
The girl looked at him, her face still wet with tears, hesitation flickering in her eyes. She had been abandoned once, cast away like a burden. Trusting again was not easy. But as Yuki’s great head nudged her softly toward him, she felt her resistance weaken.
"Co with . My house isn’t much, but it’s a place where you’ll never be unwanted."
Runa bit her lip, trembling. But then she reached out with her small hand and placed it into his massive paw. The warmth of his grasp steadied her, pulling her away from the shadows of loneliness.
Yuki gave a low rumble of approval, his massive form beginning to dissolve into light. Within monts, he had shrunk back into his human form. He stood beside her, silent but resolute, as if to say he would always watch over her.
Together, they left the lonely streets behind and made their way through the city. Runa clung to Ryuzen’s arm, quiet but no longer distant. For the first ti in a long while, she allowed herself to believe in the warmth of others.
When they finally reached the small ho where Ryuzen and Venus lived, the soft glow of lanterns spilled through the windows. Venus was inside, tidying up the table, but she turned when the door opened.
Her brows lifted in surprise when she saw Ryuzen enter with a little girl holding tightly onto his sleeve.
"Ryu... Venus asked carefully, her voice filled with curiosity. "Who’s this?"
Ryuzen placed a hand on Runa’s shoulder, steady and reassuring. "Her na is Runa," he said. "From today onward, she’ll stay with us. She’s family now."
Runa’s eyes widened at the word family. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no sound ca out—only a trembling smile that broke through her sorrow.
Venus was suspicious at first. But understanding there was a greater story involved, she kept quiet like a understanding grown up woman.
Her face softened, stepping closer. She knelt so she was eye level with Runa, her gentle eyes curving with kindness. "Welco, little one," she whispered. "You’re safe here."
For the first ti, Runa believed kindness still existed.
"T-thank you, Sister Venus. Brother Ryu has told a lot about you."
"Oh, did he now?" Venus arched a brow and turned her gaze toward Ryuzen, her tone light but curious, as if to ask silently what exactly have you been saying about ?
Ryuzen only shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He stepped closer, placing a steady hand on her shoulder in a way that felt natural—like a couple sharing a quiet bond.
"You know I’d never say anything bad, Venus," he said calmly. "I told her she had a kind big sister waiting for her."
The warmth in his words lingered between them, and Venus’s stern look softened into a smile. Runa’s small hands clutched the hem of her dress, her eyes shining with relief. For the first ti in years, she felt like she belonged.
Dinner that night carried a warmth unlike any before. The long wooden table was filled with food, the aroma of roasted ats, fresh bread, and simring stew drifting through the house. The soft glow of lantern light gave the room a holy atmosphere.
Ryuzen gently guided Runa to a seat at the table. The little girl sat timidly, her hands folded on her lap, unsure if she truly belonged here. Her eyes darted around, cautious but hopeful.
"This is Runa," Ryuzen finally spoke, his voice steady yet gentle. "She’s the daughter of one of my father’s old friends. So of you may have seen her before—back in Atlas Skycity, when I first spoke with her."
John’s face lit up with recognition. "Ah, that’s right! I rember. You were the little one he spoke to after we landed." His grin was boyish and reassuring.
Maki nodded, her expression kind. "Yes, I rember too. I thought you seed brave, sitting there alone."
Runa blinked, surprised they rembered her at all. The corners of her lips curved ever so slightly into a shy smile.
The warmth only grew as they welcod her like family. No judgnt, no suspicion—just open arms. Runa’s small chest ached with an emotion she hadn’t felt in a long ti: belonging.
Venus’s mother, Evangeline, was especially taken with her. The older woman leaned in with a soft, almost motherly smile, her silver hair catching the lantern light. "Such a sweet girl," she said warmly. "You’ll sleep in my room tonight. I won’t hear any objections. You need a safe place to rest, and I’ll make sure you have one."
Runa’s eyes watered, and she bowed her head quickly, hiding the tears that threatened to fall. She had been abandoned by her own parents not long ago, and yet here, strangers were treating her as though she was precious.
"Th-thank you, Lady Evangeline," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Evangeline reached out and gently patted her head, her touch soft but firm. "No need for formalities, child. Just call Auntie if you wish."
The table fell into a mont of tender silence before laughter and conversation returned. For the first ti in years, Runa ate until her stomach was full, surrounded by warmth that felt like family.
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