Yuli arrived at the village at dusk, with the sky painted in shades of orange and purple. The place was small, surrounded by a dense, ancient forest, protected behind a hill, but there was a sense of calm that seemed to envelop everything.
The houses were simple but well-kept, with carved doors and windows adorned with flowers. Some girls played in the central square, while others trained in an open field, moving with a skill that caught Yuli's attention.
A group of sturdy women, wearing light armor and weapons at their belts, patrolled the entrance. Their presence commanded respect, but their gazes were kind.
One of them approached and, after a brief inspection, guided Yuli and Kaela to the heart of the village.
"This is where you will live and train," Kaela said firmly. "It won't be easy, but you will find sisters and family."
Yuli looked around, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. She had lost so much, but perhaps here she could find just what she needed: a home.
Night had fallen, and the village slept under a star-studded sky. There were no electric streetlights or shining walls, only the warm light of bioluminescent lanterns hanging between branches and stones. Yuli walked silently beside Kaela, who guided her along paths that intertwined like living roots.
They entered a round house made of light-colored stone with a carved wooden door. Inside, the atmosphere was warm, with beds arranged in a circle around a central fireplace that was now extinguished. Four girls were already inside, sitting on their mattresses, talking in low voices. When they saw Kaela enter with Yuli, they fell silent.
"Girls, this is Yuli. From today, she is one of us. She is seven years old, she is strong, and she is not afraid of branches... or whatever else may come. The girls smiled, first shyly, then curiously.
"I'm Isha," said one, tall and thin, about ten years old. "I used to sleep on the roofs of an abandoned station. Now I sleep safely indoors.
"My name is Sol," added another, with dark skin and restless eyes. "I like you. You seem strong. That's good."
"I'm Nira. I like embroidery, but I also like throwing knives," said another as she pulled a shiny needle from her sleeve as if it were part of her skin.
The smallest of the four, with curly hair and bright eyes, simply said, "Luma." I don't talk much. But when I do, they listen.
"My name is Yuli. And I want to learn... to protect."
No one laughed. No one hesitated. Isha was the first to applaud. Then Sol. Then Nira. Luma simply nodded.
"Then," Kaela said proudly, handing her a notebook, "you're in the right place."
That night, Yuli slept in a soft bed for the first time in years. She didn't dream of branches or thieves or orphanages. She dreamed of green roofs, new sisters, and a sword that didn't kill... but protected.
And for the first time in a long time, her heart didn't tremble.
It just burned.