Nia was sitting on the porch steps, her sketchbook open across her knees, pencil moving in short, thoughtful strokes. She didn't hear Kian approach at first he moved quietly, something he'd picked up over the past few days. But when she looked up and met his eyes, she smiled with that same ease that always tugged something loose in his chest.
"You've been gone a while," she said, scooting over on the step to give him space.
Kian sat down beside her, close enough for their arms to brush. "Had a lot to think about."
She tilted her head, studying him. "You're different today."
"I know."
There was a long pause between them. The breeze rustled the trees around the cabin, birds chirped in the distance, and Nia's pencil slowed to a stop.
"Hey," Kian said quietly, voice almost getting caught in his throat. "I figured it out."
"Figured what out?"
He turned toward her fully now, green eyes glowing faintly in the soft afternoon light.
"Why I want to be strong."
She blinked, caught off guard by the weight behind his voice.
"It's not just about revenge. Or proving I'm not a threat. It's not even about control anymore."
He reached out gently, placing a hand over hers.
"My goal is to protect you. And Chandler. No matter what happens."
For a second, Nia didn't move. Her breath hitched just barely and then her cheeks flushed a soft pink as she lowered her head.
"You're such an idiot," she whispered, eyes glistening. "But… thank you."
Without waiting, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight, sudden hug. Kian hesitated for a heartbeat before returning it, resting his chin lightly against her shoulder. There was warmth in the moment. Stillness. The kind of closeness that didn't need words.
"You smell like tea and lightning," she mumbled, half-laughing, half-crying.
He smiled against her hair. "Guess that's my thing now."
When they finally pulled apart, Kian looked down at his hands again no longer unsure, no longer lost.
"I'm going to Chandler," he said, standing up with new resolve. "It's time."
Nia smiled through her flushed cheeks and nodded. "Then go. I'll be here when you come back."
And as he turned, the green sparks at his fingertips flickered with steadier rhythm like the storm inside him had finally found its direction.