The hallway was quiet. Just a few steps from Logan's door, Rowan stood still—his bow unfinished.
Logan blinked in confusion. "What are you doing, prince?"
Rowan slowly straightened, meeting Logan's eyes.
"I never got the chance to say it properly," he said. "So… thank you."
Logan blinked. "For what?"
"For saving my life," Rowan replied. "Twice. In one day."
His voice wasn't grand or theatrical—just honest. Quiet. The weight of it settled between them.
Logan smiled politely. "You make it sound like I showed mercy. Just like you couldn't let people die, I couldn't either. I did what I had to."
Rowan gave a half-smile. "You didn't. But still it means a lot."
He took a breath, looking down the hall briefly, then back at Logan.
"I wanted to protect everyone. But today, I couldn't even protect myself. If you weren't there, I wouldn't be standing here. I wouldn't be able to come back to my sister."
Logan didn't reply immediately. The silence stretched for a moment.
