The rain drummed steadily against the metal walls outside, but inside the train car, the only sound was the steady rhythm of Pearl's breaths and the sharp click of the gun.
Vansh stood close behind her, his voice a calm anchor amidst her pounding heart.
"Steady your aim. Remember what I said — breathe in, hold, breathe out."
Pearl's hands no longer shook as violently, but her grip was still tight, her eyes locked on the cracked wall ahead.
She pulled the trigger.
Click.
Again.
Click.
"Empty," Vansh said softly, pulling a fresh magazine from his pocket and sliding it into the gun.
"Focus on the rhythm. It's not about shooting fast. It's about shooting right."
She nodded, swallowing hard.
The next shot rang out, sharp and loud in the quiet space.
Vansh eyes met hers, a flicker of approval in the dim light.
"Good. Again."
Pearl took a deep breath, then fired twice more — both shots steady and sure.
Her chest rose and fell, adrenaline mixing with something else — something raw and vulnerable.
Vansh reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair from her forehead.
"You're learning fast." drama queen!
Pearl glanced up, heart hammering for reasons beyond the lesson.
"I'm not sure if I'm learning how to shoot or how to hate you less."
Vansh jaw tightened, but a slow, almost sad smile tugged at his lips.
"Maybe both."
For a long moment, they stood close, the storm outside and the storm between them mixing in the small, fragile space
Vansh let the silence stretch between them, the weight of the moment thick in the air.
Finally, he spoke, voice rough but steady."Pearl… the night your house burned? I wasn't just there. I was part of it. The fire wasn't an accident."
Pearl's breath caught, eyes wide, heart pounding harder than ever.
"You… what? Why?"
He swallowed hard, pain flickering in his gaze."I was told to watch. To make sure things went as planned. But someone else lit the match. Someone who wanted to send a message."
She shook her head, voice barely a whisper."Why didn't you stop it?"
"Because I was scared. Because I was young. Because I didn't know who you were yet."His voice cracked. "But I've been trying to make it right ever since."
Tears blurred Pearl's vision."You destroyed my life. And now you want me to believe you're my savior?"
Vansh took a step closer, desperate."I'm not asking for your forgiveness. Just… listen. I'm trying to protect you from the people who hurt you — from the shadows you don't see."
Her voice hardened, but a flicker of something softer appeared."Then start by telling me everything."
He nodded, determination and regret mixing in his eyes."I will. But only if you keep learning to fight. Because the war isn't over."