Bhai, ye scene solid ha
Kaoru and Hana walked side by side through the narrowing forest path, where moonlit woods slowly gave way to icy wilderness. The sun dipped low behind the tall pines, and cold winds bit at their cheeks, carrying whispers of the Ice Clan's hidden lands.
Up ahead, the sound of crunching snow made Kaoru slow his steps. Two armored warriors stepped out from behind the trees — thick fur-lined armor, ice crystal symbols carved on their shoulders, swords at their sides but hands resting dangerously close to the hilts.
One of them stepped forward, voice harsh against the quiet wind.
"Hey! You two — what are you doing here without escort or warning?"
Kaoru tilted his head, unfazed.
"Relax, warrior. I'm one of you now — or will be soon enough."
The second warrior scoffed, eyes narrowing as he studied Kaoru's clothes and the faint frost-burn scar peeking from his collar.
"And why should we believe that?"
Kaoru didn't flinch. He calmly untied part of his robe, pulling it aside to show the pale, glowing Frost Dragon mark etched on his chest.
"This says enough, doesn't it?"
The warriors exchanged glances, their rigid stance softening just slightly.
"Fine," the first one muttered. Then he jerked his chin at Hana, his voice turning sharp again.
"But the girl stays. Outsiders can't walk so close to our ground — she's our hostage now."
Kaoru's expression changed in an instant — warmth vanished, leaving only the same frost in his veins that marked his bond. He stepped forward, hand hovering near his sword hilt.
"Watch your mouth," he said, his tone quiet and sharp as breaking ice. "She's with me."
The second warrior bristled, stepping forward.
"Orders are orders—"
Before he could finish, Hana stepped past Kaoru, her voice cutting through the cold like a blade.
"I am not your prisoner. I am Hana, guardian of the Moon Clan."
The first warrior's eyes widened a fraction at the name.
"…Moon Clan?"
Hana's chin lifted a touch higher, her eyes unwavering.
"Yes. Moon Clan. We've always kept peace with your people. I trust you won't ruin that tonight."
Kaoru let out a small huff of amusement, folding his arms as if daring them to argue.
"Unless you two want to start a fight your Clan Leader will love cleaning up."
The warriors exchanged another look. This time, the tension broke like thawing ice.
"Hmph. Fine," said the second warrior, stepping aside. "You both can pass — but you're coming with us. Straight to the Clan Leader. No wandering."
Kaoru dropped his hand from his sword and shot Hana a sideways smirk.
"Sounds fair. What do you say, Moon Clan?"
Hana smirked back.
"Fine by me."
Without another word, the warriors turned and started ahead, boots crunching over fresh snow. Kaoru and Hana fell in behind them — side by side, steps quiet, the wind carrying a distant, ancient roar from somewhere deep in the Ice Clan's sacred mountains.