Chapter 29 : A Place of Peace CAIUS I led her out of the training hall , the warmth of the stone corridor a welcome relief after the icy chill of the training room .
The dining hall wasnt far , and it didnt take long to reach the long wooden table where the evening meal had already been laid out .
The fire crackled in the hearth , casting a soft glow over the room .
The aroma of roast meat and freshly baked bread filled the air , making my stomach growl in anticipation .
After that workout , I could eat a whole feast , Lira said as she sat down , rubbing her hands together in front of the warmth of the fire .
I grabbed two plates , piling them high with food before sliding one toward her .
I think youve earned it , I said , smiling .
We ate in a comfortable silence , the occasional clink of utensils punctuating the otherwise quiet morning .
I watched as Lira tucked into her meal , her appetite as sharp as her swordplay .
So , I said after a while , setting my fork down and leaning back in my chair , Im taking you somewhere today.
Lira looked up , raising an eyebrow , her mouth still full .
Where ? Youll see , I said , my tone casual , but there was something in my eyes that made her pause .
I didnt normally bring people to this place .
But Lira … she was different .
She set her fork down , her curiosity piqued .
Am I supposed to just guess , or do you actually want to tell me ? I leaned in slightly , lowering my voice .
Just get changed into something comfortable and warm .
Youll need it .
She gave me a skeptical look but didnt ask any more questions .
Comfortable and warm , she repeated , clearly considering the implications of my request .
What kind of place are we going to ? Its not too far , I reassured her , and its not dangerous .
Just … wait and see .

Lira eyed me for a moment longer , then nodded , clearly willing to trust me for the moment .
Alright , she said , getting up .
Ill be quick .
I watched as she disappeared up the stairs toward her room .
The thought of what lay ahead had me impatient , my excitement building in a way I hadnt expected .
It was strange to feel this way about a place that had always been my solitude , my refuge .
But something about having Lira there made it … different .
Better , even .
When she returned a few minutes later , I couldnt help but notice how the thick , dark coat she wore seemed to swallow her whole .
It was one of mine , far too large for her slight frame , and the collar was pulled tight against her neck .
Her hair was tucked beneath the folds , leaving only her face exposed , and in the low light of the morning , she looked like a shadow wrapped in fabric .
Ready ? I asked , trying not to smile too widely .
She looked … endearing in that coat , though I knew shed probably disapprove of me saying so .
1/3 Chapter 29 A Place of Peace Lira crossed her arms , an exasperated look on her face .
You do realize this thing practically swallows me , right ? I couldnt help it I laughed .
Its the only coat I had .
You can keep it on until we get there .
Youll be warm .
She rolled her eyes , but I could see the faintest smile tugging at her lips .
Well , at least its warm .
+15 Bonus I motioned for her to follow me , and we made our way back outside .
The cold was sharper now , the morning frost still clinging to everything .
The sky had deepened into a crisp blue , and the world felt as though it was holding its breath .

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The horses were waiting for us at the stables , their breath clouding in the frigid air .
You can ride , right ? I asked , glancing over at her as we approached the horses .
Lira gave me a look that was equal parts amused and affronted .
Of course I can .
Im not that helpless .
I smiled , throwing her a reins .
Good .
We mounted our horses in silence , the rhythmic sound of hooves against snow the only noise as we rode out of the keep and into the surrounding wilderness .
The cold was biting , the chill creeping through the thick fabric of our coats , but it was bearable .
The landscape was stunning snow dusted trees lining the path , the mountains looming in the distance , their peaks veiled in mist .
Lira rode beside me , her expression unreadable , though there was a certain quiet contentment about her now , as if the simple act of riding through the serene wilderness had soothed her in some way .
You never told me where were going , she said after a while , breaking the silence .
I glanced over at her , keeping my voice low .
I told you its a special place .
A sanctuary .
Sanctuary ? she echoed , intrigued .
What does that mean exactly ? I didnt answer immediately , instead steering my horse off the path and toward a narrow trail that wound through the trees .
The air was growing colder , the trees more dense , the silence deeper .
Youll see , I said again , my voice calm but filled with anticipation .
It didnt take long for us to reach the clearing .
I dismounted first , motioning for Lira to follow suit .
She gave me a questioning look but did as I asked , her boots crunching in the snow as she walked beside me .

When we entered the clearing , the sight before us seemed almost unreal too perfect to be real .
A hot spring bubbled in the center , its steam rising into the air like a delicate mist .
The water glowed in the soft light of the morning sun , the colors shifting from deep blues to soft golds .
Snow lay thick on the ground , and the trees surrounding the spring were heavy with ice , their branches glittering like diamonds .
Lira gasped , her eyes wide with wonder .
Its … breathtaking .
I nodded .
I come here when the world gets too loud .
When I need peace .
She took a cautious step toward the water , dipping her fingers into it .
Its warm , she murmured , her voice filled with quiet amazement .
2/3 Chapter 29 A Place of Peace +15 Bonus I watched her , my gaze softening .
The springs keep it warm year round .
Its why the flowers bloom even in the dead of winter .
She turned to me , her expression unreadable for a moment before she nodded , as if understanding something deeper .
Thank you for bringing me here , she said , her voice quiet .
I didnt know what to say at first .
Instead , I reached out , taking her hand and gently intertwining our fingers .
She didnt pull away .
And for the first time in years , I didnt feel the weight of the world pressing down on me .
The silence between us wasnt uncomfortable ; it was peaceful .
We stood there together , by the warm waters of the spring , and for the first time , I didnt feel alone .
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