The clang of the trading office's gates echoed behind them, sealing off the place where her life had been shackled in darkness. Selena blinked against the morning sun, so bright, so blinding after the eternal gloom of the slave pens. She clung to the back of Red's cloak, not out of fear, but disbelief. Her legs moved on instinct, but her thoughts lagged far behind.
She was free.
The streets of Silverhaven bustled with color and noise. Merchants called from canvas stalls, children darted between wagons, and the sea breeze carried the scent of salt and roasted spices. It was overwhelming. After so much silence, the world itself felt too loud.
Red said nothing as he walked, his black armor drawing wary glances and wide berths from townsfolk. She trailed behind him, barefoot, wrapped in a ragged gray shift that barely clung to her shoulders. No one addressed her. To them, she was still nothing.
Until he stopped.
A food cart stood ahead, iron grill sizzling with fresh-cooked meat skewers. The vendor looked up nervously as Red approached.
Red: One beef, one lamb. Extra sauce,
The vendor nodded quickly, hands shaking just slightly as he worked.
Red turned to Selena and gestured for her to step closer.
The smell hit her first, rich, smoky, savory. Her stomach twisted violently in response, ravenous and shocked at the same time.
Red held out a skewer of lamb.
Selena hesitated, eyes wide.
Selena: This is… for me?
He nodded once.
She reached out with trembling fingers, and the moment the meat touched her tongue, her eyes filled with tears.
She devoured it, half-gasping, barely chewing between bites. Red said nothing, only watched with a faint tilt of his head.
When she finished, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she looked up at him.
Selena: Thank you, she whispered.
Red: Let's go..
They walked several streets deeper into the city until they reached a squat brick building with green ivy hanging from the awning. A wooden sign creaked above the door:
-Silverhaven Alchemy Shop-
Inside, the air was thick with herbs and bubbling tonic fumes. A short, young woman behind the counter blinked at Red with wide eyes.
Alchemist Mey: Red? Is that you?
He nodded.
Red: I need a cleansing kit. Shampoo, soap. Two stacks of minor restoration, and three high-grade mana potions."
The alchemist blinked, then glanced over at Selena.
Alchemist Mey: She yours?
Red: She's free. She's with me.
That shut her up quickly.
Moments later, Red handed Selena a small parcel wrapped in linen: inside were bottles of scented soap, a vial of peppermint shampoo, and a small jar of salve.
Selena clutched the parcel to her chest like it was treasure. To her, it was.
Next, they visited a tailor on the main avenue, a place that smelled of fresh cloth and dye. The walls displayed garments in hues Selena had never even dreamed of, royal blues, forest greens, silk reds.
Red stepped in and laid down a small pouch of silver.
Red: White tunic. Leather black pants. A pair of travel boots. Light but durable.
Tailor: For the girl?
Red: She'll need a cloak too. Something warm.
Selena flushed as she was ushered behind a curtain. Moments later, she stood in front of a mirror, unsure of the reflection that stared back.
The tunic was soft and clean, cut modestly with silver-laced trim. The pants hugged her just enough to feel real, and the boots were snug and thick-soled. The cloak draped over her shoulders like a mantle of snow, trimmed in gray fur.
She turned to Red.
Selena: I… I don't know what to say.
Red: You don't have to
Finally, as the sun began its descent, casting gold over Silverhaven's rooftops, Red brought her to an inn at the edge of the harbor. The Rose and Blade was a modest place, but warm light spilled from its windows, and the smell of stew drifted into the cobblestone street.
The innkeeper greeted Red with a bow. "Room?"
Red: Two beds. Hot water. Privacy.
Selena was led upstairs while Red handled payment. The room was clean and quiet, with a washbasin, mirror, and a steaming bucket of water already prepared.
Selena stood by the tub, her arms shaking as she unwrapped the parcel. For a long moment, she stared at her reflection in the basin's water. Her face was hollow, scarred, and still haunted, but no longer hopeless.
She dipped her fingers into the hot water and wept.
Then, with slow, deliberate care, she began to wash.
Below, Red sat by the inn's hearth, polishing one of his twin swords. He did not smile. He never smiled.
But when he heard her steps upstairs light, no longer dragging, he allowed himself a breath.
She had chosen to follow.
And for now, that was enough.