Chapter 21 : No magic, only heart

Sakura moved through the crowded village marketplace, the hood of her black robe pulled low over her face. The sun had nearly vanished, casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets. People bustled around her—vendors closing their stalls, children laughing, carts rumbling past—but all she could hear was the frantic beating of her heart.

Where are you, Haru?

Her eyes searched every face, every alley, every corner. Guilt weighed on her like chains. She should’ve come earlier. She should’ve kept her promise.

Then—

CRASH.

The sound of breaking pottery echoed across the square. Gasps followed. People paused mid-step.

Sakura’s head snapped toward the source. Her breath caught.

Soldiers.

Marching into the market, they shoved aside anyone in their path. One knocked over a cart without a glance. The crowd shifted, parting instinctively, but Sakura froze in place.

They’ll recognize me.

Her pulse quickened as she pressed further into the crowd, doing her best to stay hidden among cloaks and bodies. Her fingers clutched the edge of her hood.

Not far away, Emi and Kai moved through the same marketplace, both cloaked in travel robes. Their eyes scanned the crowd.

“She might be nearby,” Emi murmured. “Or Haru.”

Kai didn’t respond. He had stopped walking.

His eyes were fixed on the soldiers.

His face went pale.

“Kai?”

He didn’t answer.

“Kai!” Emi grabbed his hand. “We need to go. Now.”

He hesitated, eyes still locked on the soldiers. “But Haru—he might be—”

Emi’s voice softened. “I know you’re scared. But we’ll search elsewhere. Please.”

Kai clenched his jaw, torn, but finally nodded. The two disappeared into the alleyways, never seeing the girl just feet away.

Sakura was still walking when she heard it—a loud, angry shout. A soldier’s voice.
The crowd thickened. People leaned forward, curious. Sakura pushed through, heart hammering.

She barely caught a glimpse.

A boy.

Falling.

Her breath hitched.

“Haru...”

He was there. Surrounded by soldiers.

She tried to push forward, but too many people blocked her way. Then she saw one of the soldier hit haru and he was crying. Another soldier mounted on a horse, smirk.

“Take the brat,” he ordered.

No. No, no, no!

They grabbed Haru and turned away. Sakura shoved through the crowd, her knee scraping against a cart as she stumbled—but she didn’t stop. She kept moving. Her eyes locked on their retreating forms.

She followed them out of the village, through winding paths, until the night wrapped the world in darkness.

Eventually, they stopped at a clearing—an abandoned rest spot. The soldiers laughed, joking among themselves.

And Haru—

Another hit. Another cry. He was really scared and crying.

Sakura crouched behind an old tree, trembling. She wanted to scream. To run in. But what could she do? She had no magic. Her fists trembled.

But then—

A memory.

Shin’s voice, quiet and sure: "You’re strong, Sakura. Stronger than anyone knows."
Her jaw clenched.

She pulled her hood lower.

And then she moved.

Like a shadow in the dark, she dashed forward and threw her arms around Haru, shielding him. The soldiers reeled back, stunned.

“Who—?!”

“Run,” she whispered to Haru. “It’s me.”

Haru’s sobs slowed. “Sakura...?”

Haru was happy to see Sakura and hugged her.

More soldiers approached. Magic crackled around them.

Sakura dodged, weaving between blasts. But one strike hit her side, and she stumbled. Haru fell from her arms.

“Brat!” one soldier snarled and struck Haru.

Sakura’s scream was silent.

She launched forward with everything she had. No magic—only rage. Only love. She hit them. She kicked. She tried.

But they were stronger. Trained. Armed.

Something slashed across her arm. Her robe soaked with red. Her hand got hurt and blood was all over her body.

A fist struck her stomach.

She coughed—

And everything faded.

She passed out

Silence.

Then light.
She slowly opened her eyes and blinked.

She was on the ground. Her body ached. Her robe was torn.
Around her... the soldiers.

Down. Unmoving.

She didn’t know how it happened or who did it.

She didn’t care.

“Haru...”

She crawled to him. His face had a cut. Blood trickled down. But he was breathing.
She hugged him. Her vision swayed.

But she stood.

Weak knees. Bloodied hands.

She carried him on her back.

Step by step.

Toward home.

The mansion’s gate stood in silence.

Kai leaned against the post, lost in thought. Worry sat heavy in his chest.
Then—

Footsteps.

He looked up.

His eyes widened.

Sakura.

Carrying Haru.

She stepped into the light. Her hood still on. She gently laid Haru down.
Kai rushed forward. His eyes locked on Haru’s injury.

“What happened to him?!”

He grabbed Sakura’s robe, yanking her forward.
“This is your fault again, isn’t it?!”

But she didn’t answer.

She just raised her face.

And Kai froze.

Her eyes were empty. Her face pale, smudged with blood.
He let go slowly, words caught in his throat.

" leave... you are the reason why everything happened and I will never forgive you for this" Kai said quietly.

“ Take care of Haru,” she whispered.

And turned.

She walked into the night.

Kai stood frozen.

Watching her disappear.

A storm of guilt rising in his chest.