The road stretched far behind them now.
The Dwarven Kingdom—scarred, cracked, but standing—slowly disappeared into the horizon.
Lira walked ahead as usual.
Barefoot.
Calm.
"…Hungry," she said.
Kael sighed.
"…You're always hungry."
Prince Eldarin adjusted his cloak dramatically.
"A hero must maintain proper nourishment," he declared.
"…You didn't even fight," Kael muttered.
"…I provided moral support."
"…You fainted."
"…Strategically."
Behind them—
Footsteps.
Not light.
Not heavy.
Confident.
Kael turned first.
"…We have a tail."
Lira looked back.
"…Oh."
A girl stood there.
Shorter than the others.
Strong build.
Bronze skin dusted with soot.
Hair tied high, with small braids decorated in metal rings.
Her eyes burned with energy.
"…You walk slow," she said bluntly.
Kael blinked.
"…Excuse me?"
She crossed her arms.
"…I've been following you for hours."
Prince Eldarin puffed up immediately.
"…And who might you be to trail royalty and heroes without permission?"
She stepped forward.
Unimpressed.
"…Shun."
A pause.
"…Princess of the Dwarves."
Silence.
Eldarin froze.
"…Another prince… I mean—princess?"
Kael sighed.
"…Of course there is."
Lira smiled.
"…Hi Shun."
Shun looked at her.
Really looked.
Her expression softened.
Just a little.
"…You're stronger up close," she said quietly.
Then—
She looked at Kael.
"…You're serious."
Then Eldarin.
"…And you're loud."
"…I am regal," Eldarin protested.
Shun ignored him.
"…I'm coming with you."
Kael frowned.
"…No you're not."
"…Yes I am."
"…Why?"
She shrugged.
Simple.
"…You're interesting."
Then she glanced at Lira again.
A little longer this time.
"…And her."
Then—
At Kael.
"…And you."
Then—
At Eldarin.
"…Even you."
Eldarin blinked.
"…I have that effect."
Kael groaned.
"…No, you don't."
Shun stepped closer.
Close enough that the heat from the forge still clinging to her armor could be felt.
"…I like strong people," she said plainly.
"…And weird ones."
She glanced at all three of them.
"…So I like all of you."
Silence.
Lira nodded.
"…Good."
Kael rubbed his face.
"…This party is getting worse…"
Eldarin straightened proudly.
"…Or better."
Shun smirked.
"…I'll decide that."
She walked past them.
Just… joined.
Like it was already decided.
No permission.
No hesitation.
Kael sighed deeply.
"…Fine."
Lira smiled.
"…More people. Good."
Eldarin raised his chin.
"…A larger audience for my greatness."
Shun glanced back.
"…You talk too much."
"…I—"
"…But it's funny."
"…I accept that."
The group continued forward.
Now four instead of three.
The road ahead stretched into uncertainty.
War.
Demons.
Something new… waiting.
And among them—
A dwarven princess who followed not for duty…
But because she wanted to.
To Be Continued…