I want to protect you

The yellow sandstorm engulfed everything, shrouding the world in suffocating death.

A girl collapsed in the sand, her fading consciousness clinging to a dwindling will to survive.

Her trembling hand reached out, grasping for salvation.

Everyone else had been teleported away, leaving her alone. Fate’s cruelty seemed reserved for her.

The other candidates waiting at the tomb’s entrance had been whisked away when their identity tokens shattered, but she, careless, had lost hers—the one thing that could have saved her.

Sand, driven by the howling wind, invaded her clothes, ears, and nose, threatening to consume her entirely.

What am I seeking? Redemption? The thought felt pitiful, foolish.

With all tokens destroyed, even if Selina wanted to save her, she’d be stuck in reality, powerless.

People like me aren’t meant to survive. The unfortunate who cling to life only face more misfortune. Why keep going?

Her mind drifted to her father, a thief who helped countless people, praised by the masses.

Yet, branded a criminal, he was beheaded by knights under the gaze of a righteous crowd.

Such was fate’s bitterness, the pain bestowed by the heavens.

Some were born to suffer, their struggles in darkness ending only in death beneath the blinding light of justice.

As death closed in, Aelir’s mind conjured memories of her childhood—playing with her father, her mother still healthy, a life simple and happy.

Am I leaving? To the world where Father is? Her body grew cold, senses numbing, the scythe of death nearing her neck.

Just as darkness threatened to swallow her consciousness—

“Aelir, wake up!”

A familiar, vibrant voice pierced her fading soul, like a stone rippling a still lake. Selina’s call sparked a faint hope.

“Why do you protect me, Sister Selina?” Aelir had asked earlier, looking up at the black-haired girl holding her hand.

“Your father was my mentor’s friend, making you my sister in a way. Isn’t it natural for a sister to protect her sibling?” Selina replied, her eyes curving like crescent moons, her smile radiant.

“But we’re not blood-related. This ‘sisterhood’ is just a title. We’d never even met before…” Aelir’s voice was soft, hesitant. In a cold world, she struggled to believe kindness could stem from such a simple bond.

Her father’s death had taught her the world’s cruelty early.

He was a righteous thief, sharing stolen wealth with the poor, earning their praise.

But when he was captured, those he’d helped turned away.

The louder they’d cheered him, the more thoroughly they abandoned him.

When Aelir and her mother begged for aid at their doors, even a small plea for testimony was refused.

At a tender age, Aelir saw humanity’s true face.

Selina’s grip tightened briefly, pausing. Aelir’s heart raced, fearing she’d offended her.

But then, a warm hand gently stroked her head.

“Why ask such a thing? Yes, our sisterhood is just a name, and we’re not bound by blood. Does that change my duty to protect you?”

“Protecting others is a belief. If another innocent girl had wandered into the icy region, I’d protect her too.

Even more so with you, given our connection.

Besides, protecting a cute girl like you is the most natural thing, isn’t it? So don’t overthink it.

I protect you because I want to protect you. That’s all the reason I need.”

“Don’t let such pessimistic thoughts take hold, Aelir. Protect yourself, because if you get hurt, it’ll truly break my heart.”

The memory, blurred by her sinking consciousness, resurfaced, warming Aelir’s heart.

Selina’s image pieced together like a restored painting. Forcing her eyes open, she saw a white silhouette cutting through the sandstorm, racing toward her.

“Sister Selina!” Aelir called weakly, unsure if it was a desperate hallucination or reality.

But that voice had reignited her will to live.

Even if not for herself, she had to honor Selina’s kindness.

She had to survive for her mother, waiting at home, and for those who’d grieve her loss.

Selina’s twin daggers slashed through the storm, parting the sand.

Braving the onslaught, she sprinted to Aelir’s side, shielding her from the chaos.

As she pulled the frail girl into her arms, the warmth of life and a beating heart brought Selina overwhelming relief.

Silver flames formed a temporary barrier around them.

Gasping for breath, Selina clutched Aelir tightly, murmuring, “Thank the heavens, thank the heavens… you’re still alive!”

Fate had been kind this time.

If Aelir had perished, Selina couldn’t imagine facing Roan in the afterlife.

But she’d made it in time.