Vansh ran a hand through his damp hair, eyes heavy with the burden he'd carried for years.
"That night—the fire—it wasn't just a warning. It was a message. From the Order. They wanted to show they could reach you anywhere."
He swallowed hard. "I was there because they assigned me to watch you. To make sure you didn't get in their way."
Pearl's breath hitched, but she forced herself to listen.
"I wasn't supposed to interfere. But when the fire started, I froze. I couldn't save you. I was weak."
His voice cracked. "Your father... he betrayed the Order. Tried to protect you by making a deal. But the Order doesn't forgive."
He looked up, eyes searching hers. "I've been trying to fix my mistake ever since. Watching over you. Protecting you."
Pearl's heart twisted—anger, betrayal, and something like understanding tangled inside her.
Vansh reached out, voice soft but firm. "I'm telling you this because you deserve the truth. Because I… care."
Vansh ripped a clean, white handkerchief from his pocket, his hands steady despite the pounding in his chest.
"Hold still," he commanded softly, pressing the fabric firmly against the wound.
Pearl's breath hitched, but she didn't pull away.
The blood soaked through the cloth, spreading fast, but Vansh held firm, squeezing with purpose.
"Stay with me," he urged, eyes locking onto hers.
For a moment, the rain slowed around them, the world narrowing to just the two of them—her pain, his grip, the raw unspoken truth between.
Pearl's fingers curled around his wrist, a silent thank you amid the storm.
Vansh kept the handkerchief pressed tight, his thumb gently brushing her clammy skin. His voice softened, low and steady."You're tougher than you think, Pearl. You're not alone—not now, not ever."
Pearl swallowed the pain, her gaze flickering between his eyes and the blood-darkened cloth."I'm scared," she admitted, voice barely above a whisper.
He gave a small, reassuring smile."Good. Fear keeps us sharp. But trust me—you've got me."
For a heartbeat, the rain's cold bite faded, replaced by a fragile warmth blossoming between them.
Then Vansh's expression hardened again."We can't stay here. We need to move before they find us."
Pearl nodded, drawing strength from his steady presence, ready to face whatever came next—together.