The stone path outside the temple's inner hall held a faint glow, dusk sinking into its cracks like old gold. Jinn stepped out alone. Her veil was loosened, her breath shallow, shoulders drawn in.
Her body moved on habit.
Her mind still replayed the meeting inside.
"Noble pride cracks fast. Just one refusal."
The heavy doors shut behind her with a hollow thud. She didn't look back.
At the base of the sloped path, her steps slowed.
Then—
Her foot caught a raised edge.
The world tilted. Her breath hitched.
A sharp pulse shot up her ankle.
There was no time to brace.
"Watch out."
A voice. Low, firm.
Arms caught her just before the stone did.
She was steady again—held.
Jinn blinked, face tight. She didn't cry out. Just stared upward into unreadable gray eyes.
"I can stand," she said.
"Your ankle's twisted," Kaelvar replied.
"I can walk."
"Maybe. But you shouldn't."
Before she could argue, he moved. One step in. A clean lift. She tensed as he pulled her fully into his arms, effortless, like he'd done it a hundred times before.
"Seriously? What is this—some hero moment?"
A temple attendant rushed from the side corridor, alarmed.
"T-The guest quarters, this way!"
Kaelvar nodded once and followed, silent.
Jinn didn't protest. Her pride held—but the pain bit deep.
They entered a modest chamber lit by soft oillight. He moved straight to the bed and set her down gently, without ceremony.
He stepped back.
A pause.
His gaze flicked to the door, then down to the floor.
"Should I stay? Or am I just in the way now?"
"Maybe she wants space. Maybe she's just being polite."
"Better to give her distance. Don't push it."
"I'll leave," he said finally. "You'll want space."
Jinn shifted, eyes still on her foot.
Then she looked up.
"He didn't make it a show. No arrogance. No smirk. Just... steady."
"No need," she said. "Sit."
She moved her hand toward her boot, then paused with a wince.
"Let me."
He crouched without waiting for permission. His hands moved with quiet care, undoing the clasp, pulling the boot loose.
She didn't flinch, but her fingers clenched slightly. Pain flared when the boot slipped off. The swelling was clear now—deep red around the joint.
She exhaled through her teeth, adjusted slightly, and lifted her leg to rest on the bed. Every shift sent another jolt through the muscle.
Then—stillness.
Her lips moved. No sound. Just a breath. A whisper of syllables traced in air.
A soft golden glow unfolded under her palm.
"You didn't hesitate," Kaelvar said, watching.
"Hesitation makes pain worse."
He leaned back against the wall, arms folded.
"I don't even know your full name."
She glanced at him, then down.
"I can't tell you yet."
"If I tell him... and it spreads... What happens to the guild? To my work? To my life?"
He paused. His eyes lowered slightly.
"Then allow me to be honest first."
A breath. Measured.
"I'm Prince Kaelvar of the first line. Sent by order of the Crown to investigate the recent divine anomalies. I wasn't supposed to reveal that yet... but my advisor forced the hand."
Jinn blinked. Her face crumpled into something between a sigh and a laugh.
"Ugh... okay."
She drew in a breath. "I'm Jinn—I mean, Jinna—yeah. Real name's... Jinnaviera."
A nervous laugh slipped out. Short. Honest.
Like she knew she fumbled it but didn't care.
"There. Happy now?"
Kaelvar's tone softened. "Is that so... then where did you—"
"Uhm—sorry. I can't tell you my address. Or anything else. As someone who... does miracles... I'd rather keep the people I care about safe."
She gave him a sharp look. Then let it ease.
"If you need more answers, ask the Grand Luminarch."
He didn't argue. Just nodded.
"It suits you."
She eyed him flatly. "That's the second time you've said that to a stranger."
"I meant it both times."
A faint smile passed over her lips. It didn't last.
"You're hiding things," he said.
"Of course," she replied. "That's how people survive around nobles."
He didn't press.
"Don't worry for me, Your Highness."
He raised a brow. "You noticed?"
"You don't carry a girl like that without noble posture."
The corner of his mouth curved into a smirk.
"Rest well, Lady Jinnaviera."
She gave a faint nod.
He turned, stepped out, and let the door close without a sound.
She was alone again.
"Saved by some prince."
Her eyes lingered on the closed door.
"Graceful, Jinn. Real graceful."
She lay back slowly, arm draped across her eyes.
The golden light faded.
"Next time... watch your damn footing."