𓆩♡𓆪 brought to you by : 𝙢𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 and co.

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// your POV // 

ʚɞ

"I'm fine, Really"

Mai hadn't left my side in days. His concern was endearing, but it was starting to wear on me.

I appreciated him, truly. But this... this was excessive.

"No, Lady Y/n. You are sick, and you need to rest. You're not leaving this room," Mai said, replacing the damp cloth on my forehead for what felt like the sixth time this hour.

"Mai, I've been battling this illness since I was a kid. I can handle myself," I replied, trying to sound firm despite the fatigue tugging at my words.

"Well... uh..." He hesitated, his gaze drifting out the window. "I hear the sun is bad for you when you're sick. Yeah, that's it."

I sighed. On top of feeling weak and feverish, Mai's strange insistence on keeping me inside was starting to confuse me. What was he so afraid of?

Before I could press him further, frantic footsteps echoed from outside the room. The door flew open, slamming against the wall.

I blinked in surprise.

"Kira?—Oh, it's Master Tengen. Greetings," Mai said, bowing. His reaction caught my attention. Why did he look like he was expecting Kira? Weren't those two always at odds?

"Y/n!" Tengen bellowed, striding into the room. "How are you? Are you okay? Don't die on me!"

"Tengen, I'm—"

"Don't tell Makio this, but you're actually my favorite! Please don't leave me!!!"

I cringed inwardly at his dramatic outburst. Only Tengen could make my illness about himself.

"Honey, I'm fine. No need to worry," I assured him.

"But in your letter, you said—"

I cut him off, placing a hand on his arm. "That was before. Mai has been very helpful."

Tengen paused, exhaling slowly as if trying to reel in his energy.

"Good," he finally said. "Don't scare people like that, Y/n. It'll make you less popular."

I chuckled softly despite myself, watching as he glanced around my room.

"Is there something you need?" Mai asked, his tone polite but wary.

"Yes, Kira," Tengen replied, straightening. "I was going to show her some new tricks today."

Mai's expression darkened. His eyes dropped to the floor, and guilt flickered across his face.

"Mai," I said cautiously. "Where's Kira?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he turned away, busying himself by folding a blanket that didn't need folding.

"Mai, just tell me where she is," I said, my voice firmer now.

"Not here," he muttered, the hint of anger in his tone startling me.

"If you had a fight, just tell me. We'll solve the problem together," I offered, hoping to calm whatever storm was brewing inside him.

But Mai didn't respond. He didn't even look at me. Something was very wrong.

"Mai," I tried again, this time commanding. "Tell me where Kira is."

He turned to leave.

"MAI!" I shouted, the force of my voice stopping him in his tracks.

"Look at me," I demanded.

Reluctantly, he turned back. His eyes were glistening with unshed tears. And then, to my shock, he fell to his knees, his hands trembling as they clutched the floor.

"I tried to stop her, Lady! I tried to keep her safe, but she wouldn't listen..." Mai's voice cracked, his guilt spilling out with each word.

Fear gripped my chest, tightening like a vice.

"What did she do?" I asked, barely above a whisper.

Mai looked up at me, his expression pleading for understanding. "She left... for the forest last night," he confessed. "She said she wouldn't come back until she found a way to help you."

My heart sank. The forest—of all places. I had never told Kira about the dangers lurking there. I never thought she would be reckless enough to venture into it alone.

"Tengen, help me up," I said, my voice shaking with urgency.

"No, Y/n. You're too—"

"Help me up, damn it!" I snapped, the mix of fear and anger bubbling over.

Tengen and Mai scrambled to obey, helping me to my feet. My limbs trembled, but I forced myself to move, grabbing my robe and sword with determination.

"Y/n, it's too risky. Please don't go alone," Mai pleaded, his voice thick with worry.

"Then come with me," I said softly, meeting his tearful gaze. "We're going to find Kira. Whatever it takes."

// word count : 680 // 

this chapter has been edited from the previous one