Page 25 of Chains of Love

"We need to find somewhere to rest," I say, watching her sway slightly, her silver hair catching the dim lamplight as she stumbles. The night's events have clearly taken their toll.

"I'm fine." Her words slur together, her usually sharp tongue dulled by fatigue. "We should keep moving."

"You can barely walk straight." I keep my voice low, though there's no one else on these darkened streets to hear us.

"I said I'm?—"

She trips over an uneven stone, and I catch her elbow, my leather-clad fingers wrapping firmly around her arm. A small victory blooms in my chest at her exhaustion-induced compliance. After weeks of her relentless resistance, seeing the proud witch finally yield to necessity brings a grim satisfaction.

"Look at that, for once you're not arguing with me." I can't help the smirk that tugs at my lips, even as I maintain my steadying grip on her arm.

"Shut up." But there's no bite to her words, her usual venom replaced by weary resignation. "Let's just find an inn." Her glowing eyes have dimmed to barely a flicker, another tell of her depleted state.

The sound of boots scraping stone catches my attention. My hand moves to my sword hilt as five figures materialize from the shadows between buildings. Their ash-gray skin marks them as my kin, but the gleam in their eyes speaks of desperation rather than nobility.

"Well, what do we have here?" The leader steps forward, twirling a dagger. "A Miou and his little human pet?"

"Walk away," I warn, pushing Lirien behind me. "You're outmatched."

Another thief circles to our left. "Five against two? I like those odds."

"Your math skills need work." I draw my blade. "It's five against one Miou warrior. The human is just here to watch."

Lirien's fingers dig into my arm. "I can still fight."

"You can barely stand."

The thieves charge before she can argue further, their blades glinting in the lamplight. Dfam caste, by their untrained movements - the lowest of our kind, scraping by on petty crime and violence. Still dangerous in numbers, but nothing compared to battlefield combat. Their stance betrays their lack of formal training, the way they grip their weapons like common thugs rather than warriors.

I parry the first attacker's blade with practiced ease, the familiar ring of steel against steel echoing through the alley as I drive him back with a swift counter. His eyes widen with the realization that he's facing a true Miou warrior. Behind me, Lirien's magic sputters and fades like a dying candle, her exhaustion evident in her trembling hands. The usual etherealglow of her spells flickers weakly, barely illuminating her pale features.

"Use the bond," I command, ducking under a wild swing that whistles past my ear. The fool overextended himself, leaving his flank exposed. "Draw from my strength."

"I-I can't focus—" Lirien's voice cracks with strain, her usual confidence shattered.

"Yes, you can. Take what you need." I feel the familiar tug of our connection, like an invisible thread pulled taut between us. As a Miou warrior, sharing power isn't natural to me, but I've learned to suppress my instinctive resistance to her magic.

The connection between us blazes to life for the first time since the ritual. Power surges through my veins as Lirien's consciousness brushes against mine. Her magic flows through me, amplified by my own vitality, creating something entirely new.

My blade moves faster, stronger. Each strike carries the weight of both our abilities. Two of the thieves fall, their weapons clattering against stone.

Lirien's magic erupts behind me, no longer weak or uncontrolled. Green light pulses through the street as she pins one attacker to a wall. The air crackles with energy that tastes like lightning and feels like victory.

"On your left!" she calls.

I spin, catching the fourth thief's blade inches from my throat. The bond thrums between us, and I can feel Lirien's presence directing my movements. We move as one entity, her magic extending my reach while my strength steadies her casting.

One of them breaks and runs. The remaining thief follows, leaving their unconscious companions behind.

My blood sings with borrowed power. Every sensation intensifies—the cool night air, the rough grip of my sword, thesteady beat of Lirien's heart through our connection. The rush is intoxicating.

"That was..." Lirien sways, but her eyes are bright with wonder.

I catch her elbow again, steadying her. "Incredible."

The bond is alive, reinvigorated from the strengthened connection finally seeming to take place.

"We should find that inn," Lirien murmurs, but she doesn't pull away from my touch.

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