A Whispered Promise

Liora still rested in Arlen’s embrace, her breathing uneven but safe. Arlen felt how her body remained half-tense, her fear still present. Slowly, he began to sing, his voice soft, undulating, and gently comforting, as if caressing the forest around them:

“Be calm, dear Liora, do not fear,
You are not alone while I am here.
Though shadows loom and nights seem long,
Together we will walk where hearts are strong.

The wind may howl, the trees may sway,
Yet I will guide you, show the way.
Through darkest night and fiercest storm,
You’ll find in me a gentle warm.

So rest your head and close your eyes,
Trust in the path beneath the skies.
With every breath, let courage grow,
For you are safe, this I bestow.

The rivers whisper, the leaves reply,
The forest listens, the stars draw nigh.
No shadow lasts, no fear can stay,
While we walk forward, come what may.”

Arlen’s song slowly eased Liora. Her shoulders relaxed, her heartbeat found a rhythm she could feel without panic, and she sensed the warmth emanating from his presence. Her tension softened, as if the forest itself were acknowledging their bond—the breeze whispered through the branches, and the leaves trembled slightly, as if confirming their safety.

When Arlen stopped singing, Liora slowly pulled back, still slightly tense, but with the knowledge that she was not alone. In that moment, from the shadows of the forest clearing, a unicorn and a black winged horse appeared, their eyes bright and watchful, seemingly responding to the calm and strength in Arlen’s song.

Arlen stood, eyes still fixed on Liora, his thoughts tangled with fear and concern. “Liora,” he began slowly, “I know your home is here… but what I feel… what the forest whispers… it’s not safe. Your woods, the Vilinkas… even you, you’re not safe.”

Liora drew a deep breath, meeting his gaze, but words failed her.

“If you come with me to Lyria,” he continued, his voice soft but firm, “there you would be safe. With me. I promise… you won’t lack for anything. I won’t force you, I won’t impose anything… Just, please, think about it. I can’t bear to see anything happen to you.”

Her eyes softened for a moment, though determination still flickered within them. “I cannot leave my home, Arlen,” she whispered.

Arlen murmured aloud, “But if danger comes, you may not have a choice. I cannot watch anything happen to you… and I have to prevent it, even if it’s only for a time, until the danger passes.”

Silence fell between them. The wind rustled through the branches, the forest whispered, yet Arlen stood with hope in his eyes, as if he felt her heart might just sense that his offer was the only way to stay safe.

For a moment, Liora paused, looking into Arlen’s eyes. There was something there that resonated with her heart—genuine care, quiet determination, something that slowly overcame her doubts.

She looked at the forest, the trees, her secret paths, every soft shadow that meant home, life, safety… and then back at Arlen. His offer was not coercion, but a proposal to stay alive, to protect what she loved.

Slowly, she nodded. “Alright… I’ll go with you,” she whispered, her voice quiet but resolute.

At the moment the words left her lips, the unicorn let out a soft nicker, and the black horse gave a gentle flap of its wings, signaling approval of their departure.

Arlen smiled, though his heart still pounded fiercely. “Thank you, Liora,” he whispered, gently, almost afraid to break the moment with too many words.

The wind blew through the branches, as if the forest itself approved of their decision, and in that moment they felt connected—not just to nature, but to each other.

Arlen carefully removed his cloak and spread it before Liora. “Here,” he said quietly, “this will help you blend in. People in the village must not know who you are. Caution will be key.”

Liora looked at the cloak, slightly too large but warm and protective. “Thank you,” she whispered as she slowly draped it over herself. She could feel how his closeness reassured her, though her heart still raced slightly.

The unicorn and the black horse stood beside them, like guardians, their breath and calm movements giving the impression that the forest and its creatures endorsed this choice. The breeze swayed the branches, carrying the scent of fresh grass and trees.

Arlen looked at Liora. “We must be quiet. Any attention could mean danger. But… together we’ll manage,” he said, with a soft, determined smile.

Liora nodded, the mix of fear and quiet determination in her eyes. “I trust you,” she said, and the wind carried their silent promise through the branches, as if the forest itself confirmed their safety and bond.

Arlen turned his gaze toward the place where his horse waited, then looked at the unicorn and the black horse. Their eyes gleamed, as if they understood his choice. “Don’t worry,” he said quietly. “I’ll protect her.” Then he reached out, gently guiding Liora by the hand toward his horse.

The sky above murmured—the forest seemed alive as Liora spread her wings and gracefully landed on the back of the horse, a soft glow surrounding her. Her presence filled the air with a quiet energy, the wings still trembling slightly from flight. Each movement was light, as if the air itself shimmered and stirred the leaves, grass, and dust beneath the horse’s hooves, creating the sense that nature itself breathed with her.

Arlen, with a determined motion, stepped to his horse and mounted by himself. The unicorn gave a soft nicker, and the black horse shifted its weight lightly, as if greeting and approving their departure. The light around Liora’s landing still glimmered, gently casting shadow patterns through the leaves, as though the forest itself followed and blessed their path.

The breeze rustled through the branches, carrying the scents of the forest, while Arlen held Liora gently, supporting and stabilizing her on the horse. Every movement was careful, yet resolve shone in his eyes. He would not allow anything to happen to her.

The wind whispered through the trees as Arlen and Liora slowly rode through the forest. Leaves creaked under the horse’s hooves, birds scattered in panic, yet their pace remained quiet, measured.

Arlen could feel the space around them filled with a subtle tension. Even he, an ordinary human, sensed something most would overlook. Her eyes were alert, her pulse flickering with the tension spreading like a shadow among the trees. He could not look away from her, yet he spoke no words.

“It’s coming,” Liora finally broke the silence, her voice low, full of concern.

Arlen tightened his hold slightly, his arms a steady reassurance around her. “I know… I feel it too,” he murmured close to her ear, his voice calm and soothing. “But fear won’t help us, Liora. We move carefully, step by step. You’re not alone—I’m right here behind you. I’ll do my best to keep you safe while we make our way through this.”

He let his grip be firm but gentle, a quiet promise of protection. “I cannot promise the path will be easy, but I can promise you this—you have my support, and we’ll face whatever comes together. For now, just trust that I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Liora let a small, tense exhale escape, feeling the steady pressure of his arms around her. The warmth of his body, the rhythm of his breathing behind her, slowly eased her own tension. Though she couldn’t see his expression, she felt the quiet steadiness, the calm determination that reassured her heart.

Sitting in front of him on the horse, Liora became aware of every subtle movement: the sway of the horse beneath her, the shifting weight of Arlen’s arms around her, the gentle rhythm of his breathing syncing almost imperceptibly with her own. Her mind swirled with thoughts she hadn’t expected—how strange and grounding it felt to be held so carefully by someone she barely knew, yet somehow trusted. She realized her own body was relaxing against him, leaning subtly into the warmth of his chest, sensing the firmness of his arms at her sides, the protective curve of his hands around her torso. Every movement of the horse reminded her of his presence, steadying her like a tether to safety.

Her eyes wandered briefly to the forest around them—the sunlight filtering through the leaves, the soft shimmer of dew on the grass, the gentle sway of branches. She remembered the hidden paths she had known since childhood, the quiet nooks where she had felt truly at home, yet somehow the presence of Arlen behind her made these familiar sights feel safer, less fragile, as though they were shielded by him. And yet, even with that reassurance, a quiet tug of worry lingered. What if the danger they had sensed caught up to them? What if she had made a mistake in trusting him? But each time the horse shifted beneath them, each time she felt his steady heartbeat behind her, the fear ebbed slightly, replaced by a cautious calm she had not expected.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the wind, carrying whispers of the forest and the scents of pine and fresh earth. The subtle brush of leaves against her arms and the faint warmth radiating from Arlen made her heart beat not with panic, but with a quiet, measured awareness. She realized she had never felt this kind of delicate balance before—part fear, part relief, part cautious hope. And though she could not see his face, she knew the weight of his gaze was upon her, watching over her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. She felt a connection forming, fragile but undeniable, a bond built on the rhythm of shared steps, the gentle motion of the horse, and the quiet promise of protection he had made with his arms, his voice, and his presence.

And still, the feeling remained that something was coming, something that would not wait. But with Arlen, with this unusual blend of human warmth and courage, Liora felt as if she were ready to face it. Though she still did not fully understand what exactly was in him… she knew he would not harm her. She let herself lean slightly into him, just a fraction, allowing the awareness of his protection to fill her senses, and for the first time, she felt the fragile beginnings of trust that might grow into something stronger as they continued their journey together.