“Is it... normal for your healing magic to hurt this much?” Celestia’s voice trembled, a subtle urgency beneath her words as if the question demanded affirmation. The hum inside her soul urged her for reassurance. “My Lord...?”

  The title felt strange on her tongue—a barrier, even as his presence offered a measure of comfort she couldn’t ignore. The words lingered, heavy, before she spoke again. “Lord Nightglen...” She hesitated, but this time, it was easier, the name slipping from her lips with more intimacy than she’d intended. A strange warmth unfurled within her chest, weaving through her uncertainty and doubt.

  Her fingers brushed the edge of his eyepatch, the touch slow and tentative but the connection undeniable. “Lord Nightglen...” she whispered again. The name, no longer just a title, felt like a bridge, a quiet tether pulling them closer despite their unspoken distance. Saying his name gave her a fragile sense of control amidst the swirling chaos.

  Caleb’s expression softened, and he allowed himself to lean into the touch, his guard momentarily falling away. His hand reached up to grasp hers, drawing it gently against his cheek. There was an unspoken surrender in his gesture, a rare moment of vulnerability that softened the space between them. The gentle contact was a balm to his weary soul, a reminder that there was solace to be found even amidst the turmoil.

  Celestia’s breath caught as her fingers lingered on his skin, warmth radiating from him, grounding her. For a fleeting moment, they shared something tender amidst the chaos. His touch felt like a lifeline, and for the first time in a long while, Celestia allowed herself to bask in it, to draw strength from it.

  But reality pressed in—the dungeon, the danger—and Celestia drew in a breath, offering him a faint smile despite the weariness that tugged at her. “I’d love to stay here… but maybe we should save these moments for somewhere a little less… perilous.” The strength of her voice faltered, but her eyes remained steady, anchored by something more profound. “The sixth level’s hardly a place for… reminiscing.”

  Her exhaustion returned with full force, her limbs heavy as she steadied herself. The toll of her magical exertion weighed upon her, each breath a struggle. Her gaze met Caleb's, his warm presence a tether she desperately clung to, an anchor in the swirling chaos. "Let's head back," she said, her voice laced with weariness. "To somewhere safe. Where you won't have to keep patching me up every few minutes." The thought of respite, of a moment to catch her breath, was a temptation she could no longer resist. Her body ached, her Mana reserves depleted, and she knew she needed to find sanctuary, if only for a little while.

  Her hand brushed his cheek one last time, lingering before the silence between them grew too heavy. Her head found its resting place against his chest, the rhythm of his heartbeat a quiet assurance amidst the hum of magic still lingering in the air. She smiled again, this time a calmer, more playful curve. “Besides... I think I’ve had enough adventure for one day. So would you kindly let go of me?”

  Caleb finally let go of her, his arms loosening as he prepared to stand. His gaze remained locked onto her, a silent promise in his eyes. He was ready to be there in a heartbeat to help her if needed, yet he respected her will to be independent. The weight of his concern lingered in the air, but he understood the importance of giving her space to find her own strength. His silent support was a testament to his faith in her, a quiet resolve that spoke volumes about his character.

  Celestia tried to push herself upright, but her legs betrayed her, trembling under the strain. The blurriness in her vision grew, and she stumbled, disoriented. Her body pushed beyond its limits, struggled to carry her any further. The weight of her exhaustion bore down, a reminder of how much she had endured. Each step felt like a monumental effort, her muscles aching with the strain of her recent exertions. The dungeon's chill seemed to seep into her bones, adding to her discomfort. She gritted her teeth, determined not to give in to the overwhelming fatigue, but her body refused to cooperate, threatening to collapse beneath her.

  "I may need some help getting back," she murmured, her voice soft but laced with a hint of apology. The weight of exhaustion bore down on her, and she felt her legs tremble beneath her. Celestia's eyes fluttered closed, the events of the day taking their toll.

  Without realizing that Caleb was already beside her, his arms instinctively tightened around her, providing the support she so desperately needed. He could feel her body sag against his, the last of her strength seeping away. His heart went out to her, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards her in her vulnerable state.

  His voice was a quiet reassurance, a gentle murmur in her ear. "Of course, my lady. I'm here for you."

  Celestia nodded weakly, leaning further into his embrace. She knew that with Caleb by her side, she could find the strength to carry on. The connection between them was unspoken but palpable, a bond that had grown stronger with each passing day.

  As they stood there, wrapped in the silence of the dungeon, the air around them seemed to hum with the residual energy of their earlier battle. The flickering light of the floating light ball cast shadows across their faces, highlighting the determination in their eyes.

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  His support was seamless—his arm around her waist, grounding her as he guided her down the hall. With each step, his senses sharpened, ever alert to the faintest sound. After all, they were on the sixth level, and danger was never far. It's weird. No monsters came after...after I used this incantation. I barely can remember it now... His vigilance was a constant, an unspoken promise that he would protect her, no matter the cost.

  Celestia gasped, barely able to catch her breath as she stopped, her legs buckling under her. “I... think I need a little more rest.” The words came out in strained whispers, her body on the verge of giving in. Her heart pounded erratically in her chest, threatening to overtake her, and the darkness at the edges of her vision closed in. She leaned against the wall, closing her eyes to steady herself, willing the dizziness to pass.

  Caleb, ever patient, guided her to an alcove just off the corridor. He propped her up against the stone, careful not to let her slide into further weakness. “You know,” he said lightly, a teasing grin softening his voice, “if you don’t get up soon, I might just have to carry you bridal style into the safe zone. Do you think you can handle that?” he turned around to the opening of the alcove. His sharp gaze scanned the area nonstop.

  Her surprise was immediate—her cheeks flushed crimson, and she blinked in disbelief. “I’m way too heavy!” The words tumbled out in a flustered mix of surprise and humour. “I’m sure I can... stand up. Just give me a moment.” She attempted to push her body away from the stone wall, but the effort was too much, and her legs buckled beneath her. Before she knew it, she had fallen against Caleb’s back.

  He didn't turn, but a mixture of affection and concern rose within him. He knew the weight she carried—emotionally, physically—and yet here she was, pushing herself to stand when her body was telling her otherwise. Her determination was admirable, but he could see the toll it was taking on her.

  "“Easy there,” he murmured, adjusting his position, his voice steady and reassuring. He could feel Celestia tremble against him, the vulnerability creeping through her resolve like a whisper in the dark. It was a reminder that the walls between them were slowly crumbling, that trust was being built brick by brick. Each tremor spoke volumes about her inner turmoil, a silent plea for support and understanding that he was more than willing to offer.

  "You're stronger than you think," he added gently, trying to ease her through the moment. His words were a quiet reassurance, a reminder that she need not face this alone. As he spoke, the tension in her body began to slowly dissipate, his calming presence helping to ground her. Caleb knew that a gentle guiding hand could make all the difference in times of great strain, allowing her to regain her composure at her own pace.

  Heavy with exhaustion, her eyes looked up, seeing only his side profile; searching his gaze for a fleeting second, Celestia’s pride surged. She wanted to stand independently, to prove she could manage without leaning on him. But her body betrayed her, and her attempt to push away from his warmth was short-lived. Her legs gave way again. She readied herself for the impact with the floor, but Caleb’s arms caught her, pulling her into the warmth of his embrace.

  This time, there was no protest, no attempt to rise. In a heartbeat, he had put his one arm behind her back and the other under her knees, lifting her with ease. Celestia's arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, and she leaned into his warmth, the world outside slipping away for a moment. The simple act of surrendering, of allowing herself to be held, was a relief she hadn’t realized she needed.

  “Fine,” she whispered, her voice softer, tinged with reluctant acceptance. “I suppose… I can allow this, just this once.” A playful note lingered, but her gaze softened with quiet gratitude. The vulnerability in her eyes was met with an understanding in his own, a silent acknowledgement of the trust building between them.

  Caleb’s smile was warm, and he tightened his hold. “Only once?” His voice was teasing, but the affection in his tone was undeniable. “Well, I’ll take what I can get.”

  He moved with a steady, unwavering purpose, carrying her as if it were the world's simplest, most natural thing. His focus was entirely on their safety, and with each determined step, the dangers of the dungeon felt just a little further away. The weight of her in his arms was a tangible reminder of her strength, even in moments of vulnerability. He could feel the slight tremble of her body, the warmth of her breath against his neck, and it grounded him, making the journey through the treacherous halls feel almost bearable.

  The stillness around them deepened, only the faint echo of their steps breaking the silence. Caleb remained vigilant, but for a moment, all that mattered was the connection between them. With every movement, his grip on her tightened, and the promise to protect and carry her, if necessary, was evident in his every action.

  “Just hold on to me,” he whispered softly, a promise wrapped in a quiet intimacy. He could feel the weight of her trust, a fragile but resilient connection forming between them. As they moved through the dimly lit corridors, Caleb's thoughts drifted to the future—what lay ahead, the challenges they would face together. This moment was a quiet prelude to the battles yet to come, a reminder that even in the darkest places, they could find light in each other.

  Celestia stirred slightly in his arms, her breath soft against his neck. Despite her exhaustion, there was a sense of peace in her expression, a momentary reprieve from the burdens she carried. Caleb held her closer, his own resolve hardening. He wanted to protect her, not just from the dangers of the dungeon but from the shadows that haunted her past.

  As they approached the safer sections of the level, the tension in Caleb’s shoulders eased, though his grip on Celestia remained firm. He could feel the steady rhythm of her heartbeat, a constant reminder of her strength, even in vulnerability.