The leaves parted, revealing a tall silhouette with messy brown hair. Relief washed over Anya's face as she recognized who it was.
"Leo!" she gasped, clearly grateful that the "assailant" was just their childhood friend.
Leo crossed his arms, eyeing us both with a slightly exasperated look. "I told you two to let me come with you to these practice sessions," he scolded, focusing on Anya with a worried intensity. "You know how dangerous it can be out here."
Anya's cheeks turned pink at his concern, and she tried to hide behind my back, clearly flustered. I rolled my eyes, deciding to play along. I gently let her down, flashing a grin at Leo. "Your turn to take her home, hero."
As I set her on her feet, Anya gave an exaggerated yelp, though I knew she was fine—her awakening had made her stronger, just like Leo. I couldn't help but chuckle. "You know, it's been obvious for a while now. You two practically became an official thing ever since Leo saved you that day."
Leo turned a bit pink himself, scratching the back of his neck as Anya shifted nervously beside him. "Well… yeah, I guess," he mumbled. "And that's why I'd rather you took me along next time."
Anya gave him an apologetic smile. "I just didn't want to bother you. You're always so busy with hunting."
I casually stretched, putting my hands behind my head and grinning at them. "You're acting like I'm not capable of looking out for her myself, Leo. I've got her back, too, you know."
Leo snorted. "Raze, the day you can beat me in arm wrestling is the day I'll start worrying less about Anya's safety when she's with you."
I let out a laugh. "Hey, I'm working on it!"
Leo shook his head, his teasing expression fading as his eyes brightened. "Anyway, you won't believe what happened today." He glanced at me, clearly eager to share. "We went out further than usual and stumbled upon a whole nest of beasts. It was incredible."
As we walked back to the village, Leo recounted every detail of the discovery, each word filled with excitement. Anya and I listened intently, both of us caught up in his animated retelling. By the time we reached the village, the sun had dipped low in the sky, casting everything in warm hues of orange and pink.
We parted ways at the main path, waving each other off. "See you guys tomorrow!" I called, before heading home to the cozy house at the center of the village where my parents were already setting the table for dinner.
My mom was the village healer, her awakened power allowing her to mend even the worst injuries. She was beloved here, always ready to lend a hand. My dad, on the other hand, was the village chief, keeping things running smoothly and handling whatever problems came up. Seeing them both waiting for me was always a comforting sight.
"Raze! Perfect timing," my mom said, waving me over as I stepped inside.
I slid into my usual spot at the table as my dad served the food, which was steaming and smelled amazing. Living here in this quiet, safe village for sixteen years had given me a sense of peace I'd never known I needed. Leaving this place wasn't something I ever wanted to think about.
After dinner, I lay on my bed, replaying the day's events in my mind, a rare calm settling over me. Anya's newfound control, Leo's tales of bravery—it all swirled together, fueling something inside me. And then it hit me: an idea, simple yet powerful, sparking a surge of excitement.
Tomorrow, I would try it. I'd awaken tomorrow.