(Set directly after Chapter 32)
The night was still after the alarm, the camp half-dark, ropes dripping from the rain that had passed.
Serin sat at the entrance of her tent, draining water from her boots and retying the band around her ankle. Milo approached hesitantly, holding a fresh strip of cloth.
In a low voice, he said:
— "I thought the band you gave me would serve you better… you tied it far tighter than I can."
She lifted her gaze to him—clear blue eyes sharpened from constant watchfulness.
— "A band is useless if it's left loose. Give it here."
He sat across from her on the threshold, stretching out his foot like a child afraid to make a mistake. Serin tightened the cloth with cold precision.
After a pause, he whispered:
— "Today, if you hadn't shouted for me to raise my shield… my shoulder would be with Sergeant Halj now."
She tied the final knot.
— "I'm not braver than you. I simply see the gaps sooner. That doesn't mean I don't make mistakes."
From his pocket, Milo pulled a small wooden charm, crudely carved into the shape of a bird.
— "I made this during the break. My sister has one like it… and this one is for you. For a little steadiness, when the only sound left is iron."
Serin examined it, then looped its string once around her wrist before tucking it under her sleeve.
— "Steadiness is rare. When we find it… we don't show it to others."
She rose and tossed him a thin strip of cloth.
— "Keep this. When your boots wound you, remember—a small cut is what fells a strong man."
Milo gave a faint smile, the kind seen only up close. As he walked away, Serin looked at the charm again. It wasn't beautiful—but it was proof of an honest hand.
She hid it in her inner pocket and fastened the button tight.
A small seed… but a true one.