On the morning after the stormy night, sunlight filtered softly into the room through the rain-streaked window.
Sirin awoke from her deep sleep, her long eyelashes fluttering a few times before she slowly opened her brilliant golden eyes.
The first thing she saw was Kael, sitting in a chair by the bed, leaning against the wall, seemingly still in a light sleep.
He maintained an uncomfortable posture, his brows slightly furrowed, clearly having watched over her all night.
And one of his fingers was still tightly clutched in her hand.
Sirin looked at their intertwined hands, and the memories of her uncontrolled crying and the warm embrace from last night gradually returned, causing a subtle blush to appear on her pale little face.
She did not immediately let go of his hand, but simply gazed at Kael's tired sleeping face, her golden pupils no longer filled with complete wariness and emptiness, but with a hint of confusion and... an indescribable reliance.
Kael seemed to sense her gaze, his eyelids twitched, and he woke up.
He immediately looked down at Sirin, met her eyes, and offered a gentle smile: "Awake? Feeling better?" His voice was still hoarse from sleep, yet remarkably soft.
Sirin instinctively nodded, then quickly lowered her head, released his finger, and unconsciously twisted the corner of the quilt with her small fingers.
Kael stretched his somewhat stiff shoulders and stood up: "Are you hungry? I'll make breakfast. What do you want to eat? Hmm... there's congee, or toast?" He tried to give her simple choices.
Sirin was silent for a few seconds, and just when Kael thought she wouldn't answer, an extremely faint, almost inaudible voice came from under the covers:
"...Congee."
Kael paused, then his smile deepened: "Okay, congee it is. Wait for me."
This was the first time he had heard her express her own will; although it was just one word, it was a huge step forward.
At the breakfast table, the atmosphere remained quiet, but it was no longer the initial cold stalemate.
Sirin slowly sipped the soft, sweet congee Kael had made, occasionally stealing a quick glance at Kael, who was across from her, reading the morning report.
Kael noticed her gaze, looked up, and smiled at her.
Sirin immediately lowered her head like a startled fawn, her ear tips quietly turning red.
After breakfast, Kael cleared the dishes, and Sirin sat on the chair with her knees hugged, watching his busy back.
The sunlight fell on her, warm and comforting.
After Kael finished tidying up and dried his hands, he walked over to her, knelt down, and met her gaze: "Sirin," he called her name, his tone natural, "The weather is nice today, would you like to go for a walk? Just in the garden downstairs, it's very close."
Sirin looked at his gentle, questioning eyes, then at the bright sunlight outside the window, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded softly again.
Kael extended his hand, and this time, Sirin did not shy away; she only hesitated for a moment before carefully placing her small hand into his large palm.
His palm was warm and dry, with a reassuring strength.
The air in the garden was fresh, and the scent of damp earth and plants after the rain was particularly pleasant.
Sirin stayed close to Kael, curiously observing everything around them—flowers covered in dewdrops, hopping birds, and occasional uniformed staff walking by.
She seemed both curious and wary of everything.
Kael patiently accompanied her, telling her the names of various flowers and plants, and pointing to the warships anchored in the distance, explaining what they were.
His explanations were simple and easy to understand, and his tone remained calm.
Walking to a swing, Kael stopped: "Want to try it?"
Sirin looked at the swinging swing, a hint of longing in her eyes, but also some fear.
"I'll push you, it's very safe," Kael encouraged.
Sirin finally sat down, her small hands gripping the ropes tightly.
Kael stood behind her, gently pushing the swing.
The swing slowly rose, and the breeze brushed through her hair, bringing a sense of flying.
At first, Sirin was very nervous, her body stiff, but slowly, she seemed to find enjoyment, and an extremely faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on her tense little face.
Kael looked at the tiny curve of her lips, his heart feeling as if it were filled with something warm.
He knew the ice was slowly melting.
After playing for a while, they sat on a garden bench to rest.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows.
The atmosphere was quiet and beautiful.
Kael didn't ask her about her past; he just looked at a few small birds playing in the distance and said softly, as if to himself: "This will be your home from now on. Don't be afraid, I will protect you."
Sirin hugged her knees, sitting quietly beside him, listening to his words, her small body relaxing slightly.
After a moment of silence, she suddenly turned her head, looked at Kael's profile, and in a slightly clearer but still timid voice, quietly and earnestly said:
"...Sirin."
Kael paused, then turned to look at her.
Sirin met his gaze, her golden eyes like the purest amber, and repeated herself, this time with a bit more firmness in her voice: "My name... is Sirin."
This was not a number, not an experimental subject, but her own name.
She was willing to tell him her name.
Kael's heart felt as if it had been gently brushed by a soft feather; an indescribable emotion of gratitude and relief welled up within him.
He showed an incredibly gentle smile and solemnly responded: "Yes, Sirin. That's a very beautiful name. My name is Kael."
"ka... el..." Sirin softly repeated, as if trying to engrave the name in her heart.
The warm sunlight shone down, and the two sat side by side on the bench; although they said nothing more, a silent trust and understanding were quietly forming.
For Sirin, this world was still full of unknowns and fears, but at least she had found a harbor where she could stay with a little peace of mind.
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