Arty watched Aesa and Eccar leave through the portal. Their shapes fading down the swirling energy.
The moment the room quieted, Erend stayed where he stood, arms folded, gaze fixed on her with that familiar blend of concern and protectiveness he never bothered to hide.
"What do you need?" he asked gently.
Arty took a moment before answering. Her eyes drifted downward as if she searched for the right words inside her own uncertainty.
"I think…" She hesitated, then met his eyes again. "I think I need armor. Something to protect myself. Defense is important, right?"
"Yeah," Erend nodded immediately. "It is."
Arty studied him for a few seconds. Then she smiled. Soft and small, but full of quiet understanding.
She could see it clearly that her brother wanted to stay. He wanted to hover beside her like a protective shield. But she also sensed something else pressing on him, something he needed to deal with, something larger than either of them.
