The sun was gently setting behind the hills, and the evening's coolness wrapped around the village. Roy and Van had distanced themselves from the others, walking side by side along a tree-lined path.
Van, a sly smile playing on his lips, said lightly:
— So, this is how you protect your sister, huh? With growls and invisible punches?
Roy growled back, folding his arms.
— I protect Aria because no one deserves her. Not you, nor those other boys in the village.
Van shrugged, amused.
— You know I'm not a threat. I respect her. I see her like a sister. No need to play the dark knight.
Roy looked him straight in the eyes, more serious.
— That's exactly the problem. No one deserves her. You know, since I've known her, she's seen more pain and secrets than anyone here.
Van lowered his head slightly, his smile softening.
— I know, Roy. I'm not blind. I've seen how she looks at the sky, like she's waiting for someone else. Someone we don't see.
Roy sighed, more weary than annoyed.
— You mean the cursed king?
Van nodded.
— Yeah. I don't understand it all, but I see that something haunts her. Something dangerous.
Roy looked at him for a moment, then finally said, almost in a whisper:
— I don't want her to suffer any more. I'll do everything to protect her, even if it means facing shadows.
Van placed a friendly hand on Roy's shoulder.
— Then let's do it together. Not as rivals, but as brothers. For her.
Roy nodded, a faint smile breaking through.
— Deal.
The two young men stayed silent for a moment, gazing at the darkening sky, each carrying the same determination, and the same respect for Aria, at the heart of their strange brotherhood.