Chapter Thirty Nine.

Chapter Thirty Nine.
“Wow…” Taliya whispered under her breath, her lips parting slightly in awe as her gaze swept across the vibrant streets of Brimhaven.

“This place feels even more alive than Eldoria.”

There was a soft smile on her face, the kind that came naturally — unforced, warm.

She turned slowly, eyes tracing the colorful market stalls, the sound of laughter and voices, the rhythm of life in this foreign place that strangely reminded her of home.

Behind her, Kaidon followed silently, his figure tall and cloaked.

But his eyes…they were only on her. Watching the way her hair moved when the breeze caught it, the soft light in her eyes, the way her steps were almost childlike as she wandered in curiosity.

It stirred something deep in him, happy he could see this side of her.

The town’s culture was noticeably different — their clothing, the strange but beautiful symbols etched into their skin, the way they bowed slightly in greeting or placed their hands over their hearts. Taliya noticed all of it, storing it away in that thoughtful mind of hers. And yet…

She paused mid-step.

People were staring.

Not at Kaidon. Not at his presence.

At her.

They stopped in the middle of what they were doing — merchants paused haggling, children stopped playing, even a group of guards went still for a breath.

She could feel their eyes. Curious. Cautious. And something else she couldn’t name.

“…Just like Eldoria,” she murmured with a nervous chuckle, folding her arms across her stomach as if it could shield her. “The same look…”

Kaidon walked in silence, but his steps were stiff, tense. His eyes darted left and right like he was scanning for something.

“The town is… beautiful,” Taliya said, almost to herself, her voice soft as she glanced toward him.

But Kaidon only nodded once, silent.

She frowned slightly. Is he okay? she wondered. He’s been so quiet, so tense since we got here…

Just then, Kaidon’s gaze dropped to her face, noticing her furrowed brows and the unease in her eyes. A sharp jolt of something bitter tugged at his chest.

Is she uncomfortable? Did someone look at her the wrong way?

His jaw clenched behind the black mask. His fists, hidden under his long sleeves, were curled tight.

Still, they continued.

Walking together through narrow alleyways filled with the scent of herbs and spices, passing fruit vendors, textile shops, and old street magicians performing for coins.

And though Taliya tried to hide it, she was having fun — her eyes sparkled every time something caught her attention.

Eventually, they found a quiet bench near a stone fountain. The water flowed gently, a soothing background to the growing tension between them.

Kaidon finally spoke.

“Do you… not like it?” he asked gruffly, his voice quiet but deep.

Taliya turned to him with a soft smile. “No, Kaidon. I love it. Really. Thank you… for letting me come out. It means a lot.”

He stared at her for a long moment, then gave a small nod. A faint smile ghosted under his mask, but she didn’t see it.

Her eyes flicked to the fabric covering half of his nose and mouth. “Um… can I ask you something?” she hesitated. “Why do you wear that?”

Kaidon didn’t answer. He just looked at her for a moment — and then her stomach growled, loud and desperate.

Taliya’s eyes went wide. “Oh—!”

“You’re hungry?” he asked, tilting his head. She laughed nervously, placing her hand on her stomach like she could silence it.

“I’m fine, really, I—”

Her stomach growled again. Louder.

Kaidon didn’t say another word. He stood up in one swift motion, his cloak moving like shadow, and scanned the area.

His sharp eyes landed on a nearby food stand with warm rolls and roasted vegetables.

“Wait here,” he said quickly, already walking away.

Taliya’s eyes followed him. The way he moved — so sure, so powerful — it was like the entire space around him responded to his presence.

There was no denying it: Kaidon looked like a true Northern legend. Unshaken. Dangerous. Protective. And somehow… possessive?.

She let her breath out slowly.

Just then, a small figure approached her.

A young boy. Thin. Dirty. Maybe seven or eight. His clothes were torn, and fresh bruises covered his arm and jaw.

Taliya’s heart cracked instantly.

“H-Hey…” she said gently, crouching a little. “Are you okay?”

The boy stared at her with big, wide eyes, then pointed toward a small wooden mat nearby, where a few cheap trinkets and dusty fruits were laid out.

“You want me to buy something?” she asked kindly, and he nodded slowly.

Her smile faltered. I don’t have anything… no coin, no pouch…

“I… I’m sorry,” she said, guilt tugging at her voice. “I don’t have any money right now.”

The boy’s eyes dropped, disappointed, and he turned away.

But Taliya’s breath caught when she saw what happened next.

A large, gruff man stormed out from one of the nearby shops — red-faced, greasy, and furious. He started yelling at the child in a tongue she didn’t understand, grabbing his arm roughly and raising a hand to strike.

“No!” Taliya gasped, rushing forward without thinking.

She stepped between them, shielding the boy with her body. “Are you crazy?!” she snapped, eyes blazing. “What is wrong with you?!”

The man froze mid-motion, stunned to be stopped — especially by a stranger. He snarled, towering over her, but Taliya didn’t back down. She stood tall, even as her hands trembled.

Behind her, the boy clung to her skirt.

And she had no idea—

Kaidon had seen everything.