Chater 4: “A Protector’s Choice”

 The people of Kingdom Goundai bowed and thanked Mythil with heartfelt words, their gratitude overflowing. Gold and silver were offered, treasures for the healer who had saved so many innocent lives.

Mythil shook his head, a faint, tired smile on his lips. “I don’t need gold or silver. Seeing them alive… that’s enough,” he said softly, his hands glowing faintly from the residual healing magic.

Even Cax, standing slightly behind him, received thanks from the kingdom. “Thank you… for bringing him here,” villagers murmured. Cax merely smirked, his usual teasing tone hiding the rare warmth in his eyes.

When the ceremonies ended and Mythil prepared to leave, a strange feeling tugged at him — a whisper of caution, a nudge that something wasn’t quite right. He glanced at Cax, whose amber eyes gleamed with that usual mischievous sparkle.

“You’re staying out of ego, aren’t you?” Mythil asked, raising an eyebrow, half amused, half exasperated.

Cax tilted his head, smirk widening. “Maybe,” he said softly, “or maybe I just like having you around.”

Mythil felt a flicker of something deep in his chest — a mixture of relief, irritation, and curiosity. He paused, then straightened, determination in his eyes. “Then… come with me. Join my adventures. There will be more people to help… and more places that need saving.”

For a long moment, Cax simply looked at him, amber eyes shimmering. Then, with a teasing grin and a subtle gleam of pride, he stepped forward. “Fine. I’ll come,” he said, voice smooth, confident. “But don’t think I’m doing it just because you asked.”

“Good,” Mythil replied, eyes softening just slightly. “We’ll need each other… for what’s coming.”

The forest around them seemed to exhale with the morning breeze. Two figures, healer and predator, set off side by side — a partnership born of danger, compassion, and something neither fully understood yet.

And for the first time in a long while, Mythil felt a quiet hope — that even in a harsh world, there were people worth trusting, and even a predator could be an ally.

✨ Mythil gains trust and respect, Cax officially joins, adventure continue

 Part 1“Closer Than Expected”

The road leading away from Goundai wound through soft hills and long stretches of wild grass. The breeze was gentle, the sun warm… but between Mythil and Cax, something new had begun to spark.

Not loud. Not dramatic.

Just… undeniable.

They walked side by side, Cax’s long strides matching Mythil’s smaller, softer steps. Cax kept glancing at him every few minutes — not obviously, but enough that Mythil eventually noticed.

“What?” Mythil muttered without looking at him.

Cax shrugged like it meant nothing. “Just making sure you don’t trip.”

Mythil glared. “I don’t trip.”

“You almost did yesterday.”

“That was because you pushed me!”

Cax grinned, hands behind his head. “Details.”

Mythil tried to stay annoyed, but every time Cax smirked at him, his heart gave a tiny, traitorous flutter.

The Close Moment

As the sun began to set, they reached a narrow cliffside path. Loose stones made it slippery.

Mythil stepped forward—

The ground crumbled.

Cax grabbed him instantly, one arm tight around Mythil’s waist, pulling him back against his chest.

Their faces ended up inches apart.

Mythil could see every fleck of amber in Cax’s eyes.

Cax’s grip didn’t loosen.

“You’re seriously hopeless,” Cax murmured, voice lower than usual… softer too.

Mythil’s breath hitched. “You can let go now.”

“Hmm,” Cax said, not moving, “I don’t want to.”

Mythil’s entire face went red. He pushed lightly against Cax’s chest until the predator stepped back with a lazy smile.

Quiet Campfire Tension

They made camp under tall pine trees. The fire crackled gently, casting warm orange light over their faces.

Mythil sat hugging his knees, staring at the flames. Cax watched him from the opposite log, chin resting in his hand.

He had never looked so unguarded… so curious.

“You heal people like it’s nothing,” Cax said quietly. “Doesn’t it tire you out?”

Mythil blinked. “Of course it does.”

“Then why act like you’re fine?”

“…Because someone has to be strong.”

Cax shifted closer, the firelight dancing in his eyes.

“Mythil,” he said softly, “you don’t have to pretend around me.”

Mythil froze.

No one had ever said something like that to him before.

Cax wasn’t teasing.

He wasn’t smirking.

He was just… there.

Understanding him.

The tension wrapped around them like invisible strings.

“…Thank you,” Mythil whispered.

Cax’s gaze lingered on him, warm and a little dangerous. “Anytime.”

A Small, Unspoken Gesture

Later, Mythil fell asleep against a tree, exhaustion catching up to him. The night wind grew colder.

Cax glanced at him… then sighed, almost annoyed at himself.

He slowly draped his own coat over Mythil’s shoulders again.

Mythil stirred, eyes half-open.

“…Cax?”

“Go back to sleep,” Cax whispered.

“You’ll get cold…”

Cax smirked gently. “I run hot. Just sleep.”

Mythil closed his eyes again, the warmth sinking into him.

Cax watched him for a long moment before leaning back against the tree beside him.

Not touching.

But close enough that their shoulders brushed whenever Mythil breathed in deeply.

And neither of them moved away.

✨ subtle tension, soft moments, unspoken feelings building slowly.

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