The sunlight caught the colors of the clothes as she carefully hung them to dry, her movements graceful yet weary from the day's labor.

The moment she saw them approaching, her heart skipped a beat. She set aside the cloth in her hands and ran toward them, her feet barely touching the ground in her rush. Reaching Nolan first, she bent forward, her forehead nearly touching his chest in a bow of gratitude and relief.

"Thank you. You're back. I thought. I thought you would have forgotten me," Cynthia said, her voice trembling slightly.

Nolan crouched slightly to meet her gaze, his expression calm but full of warmth. "No. How could we ever forget you?" he replied softly. His eyes scanned her face, noting the faint lines of worry and fatigue, and he felt a pang of resolve. I won't let anything happen to her ever again.

"Yes. We truly missed you," Celia said, stepping forward. She wrapped Cynthia in a gentle hug, squeezing tightly as though trying to transfer all the warmth and care she had stored for this moment.

Linda followed suit, embracing Cynthia as well. "We've been worried. Truly worried," she murmured, her eyes soft but filled with a fierce protectiveness.

Lyra, however, took a few steps back, her curiosity and hunger for mischief bubbling through her calm demeanor. She casually approached Cynthia's home, hands brushing against the wooden doorframe as if testing the possibilities inside.

"Hey. You come back here," Nolan called, his voice a mixture of exasperation and amusement.

Lyra paused, smirking over her shoulder. "Hey. No, I'm not coming back. It's been ages since I last tasted her cooking. I'm just checking the kitchen situation," she said, the faint glint in her eyes betraying her excitement.

Cynthia laughed softly, the sound light and musical, a small bloom of happiness in the morning air. She wiped a hand across her face, brushing away strands of hair that had fallen loose.

"I heard the news. You won the tournament," Cynthia said, her voice a mixture of awe and relief. Her eyes sparkled, reflecting both admiration and concern. "You. You did it. You're the champion?"

Nolan nodded, his expression calm but a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes. It's over now. The tournament is done, and things are finally safe."

Cynthia's gaze softened as tears threatened to spill. "I. I don't know how to thank you enough. You've done so much. Not just for me, but for everyone. You've saved us all."

Lyra, unable to resist the moment any longer, peeked into the kitchen. "Wait. What's cooking? I need to see if your food is as good as I remember."

Celia rolled her eyes playfully. "Lyra. Focus. This is a reunion, not a snack run."

Linda chuckled, watching Lyra sneak a peek into the kitchen. "She hasn't changed a bit."

Nolan observed the scene with quiet satisfaction. Seeing Cynthia safe, seeing his companions lighthearted and at ease, it was a moment worth more than any treasure or reward. He reached into his sack and felt the weight of the gold coins inside, but he barely thought of it now. Today wasn't about wealth or power. It was about people. People who mattered. People he had vowed to protect.

Cynthia stepped closer to Nolan, her eyes earnest. "Please. Stay for a while. Let us cook for you, let us celebrate your victory."

Nolan's calm smile widened ever so slightly. "Of course. We'll stay for a little while. But we have a long journey ahead, so I hope you understand. Today, we enjoy this moment, and tomorrow, we move forward."

Celia, Linda, and Lyra all nodded eagerly, the air filled with laughter, warmth, and the faint scent of fresh laundry and home-cooked meals.

Then Damian knocked gently on the door. Cynthia, curious, opened it with a warm smile.

"Greetings," Damian said politely as he stepped inside.

No one stood up immediately.

"Oh, don't mind them," Nolan said lightly, joking. "Here's my bottle."

Cynthia chuckled, glancing between them. "I was wondering why you didn't come earlier. You can join us at the table. There's plenty to eat."

Nolan nodded subtly, and Damian followed, taking a seat at the dining table.

"I'll bring another plate," Cynthia said, bustling toward the kitchen. She placed the food carefully in front of Damian.

"Thank you," Damian said, nodding respectfully.

Nolan remained seated, calm and still, his gaze following her movements.

"Cynthia. I'd like to speak with you," Nolan said quietly, rising from the chair.

Cynthia nodded. "Of course."

The two of them walked outside into the soft afternoon sun. The air was warm, carrying the faint smell of freshly cut grass and laundry drying in the yard. It had been a long time since they were alone like this.

"It's surely been a while," Nolan said, glancing at her with a hint of regret. "I should have come to visit you earlier, but the tournament ended, and I. I'm sorry for that."

Cynthia shook her head gently, a soft smile on her lips. "It's not a problem. Really, it's okay. I understand."

Nolan took a deep breath. "Well. Luthar. You know I defeated him. He's been stopped from the cult entirely. Everything's under control now. I'm sure you heard about the demon summoned as well. You must have felt it."

Cynthia's eyes darkened slightly, recalling the terror. "Yes. I saw both of you fighting from above. Even from a distance, I could feel the intensity of your aura. I. I was brought to my knees."

Nolan's expression softened slightly. "That. That was just like what the Queen said. It's over now."

Cynthia's gaze lingered on him, a mixture of relief and concern in her eyes. "So. What's next? Are you returning to Sindra?"

"Yes," Nolan said. "That's the plan. Maybe tomorrow. I was planning for us to leave after we eat, but it wouldn't be proper today."

Cynthia's lips curved into a small, wistful smile. "I know you won't stay long, but. I'd like it if you stayed a little while longer."

Nolan's face hardened slightly, the memories he carried shadowing his expression. "I'm sorry to tell you this. Luthar. He already used your child for his ritual. It's done."

Cynthia's eyes shimmered, but her voice was calm, almost resolute. "I know. I couldn't accept it, but I understand. You deserve someone better. I know you're still in love with him, and it's okay. It's time to move on."

She paused, reaching inside her small bag. "And I have something for you. I know how much you care for the orphans, all the help you've given. Take this."

Nolan raised his hand slowly, holding out a small, heavy bag.

Cynthia's hands trembled as she took it, curiosity and hesitation warring on her face. "Can I open it?"

"Yes," Nolan said softly. "You can."

She lifted the flap, and her eyes widened at the sight of the gold coins piled neatly inside. "What. What is this?" she whispered, her voice catching.

"It's for you," Nolan said quietly. "A farewell gift. A thank you for everything you've done, and everything you've endured. I'll try to visit sometime, but for now, take this. You deserve happiness. You've spent so much of your life caring for others. It's time to care for yourself. Maybe find someone to share your life with, start a family, anything you want."

Tears rolled down Cynthia's cheeks as she clutched the bag to her chest. She stumbled forward, overwhelmed. "I've never. Never had anyone care for me like this. Thank you. Thank you, Nolan. Today. Today is a rare day. I truly. Truly appreciate all you've done for me."

Before Nolan could respond, she ran toward him, dropping the bag of coins onto the ground. She threw her arms around him in a fierce, heartfelt hug.

Nolan froze for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden gesture. Then, a small, genuine smile spread across his face. He placed a hand gently on her back, patting her comfortingly. The warmth of the moment, her gratitude, her trust, settled over him like a soft shield against the harsh world outside.

Today, I will slowly let go of her hand. Nolan thought as he gently removed Cynthia's arms from around him.

"Thank you. I'll try," Cynthia said softly, a small smile playing on her lips. "Now that I'm going back inside. You better try to let go and move on."

With that, she turned gracefully and walked back into the house, the soft rustle of her dress echoing in the quiet yard.

Nolan watched her go, his heart steady but curious. Meanwhile, Cynthia paused for a moment just inside the doorway. She raised her foot slightly, brushing the lingering warmth of his presence from her chest as if to remind herself that this feeling wasn't entirely hers to keep.

What's happening? she thought, a faint flush spreading across her cheeks. It had been so long, decades even, and yet her heart had been stirred in a way it hadn't been for years.

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