Morning came gently.
Soft golden light poured through the tall windows of the temple, casting a warm glow across the polished floor. The sounds of quiet footsteps, distant laughter, and the rustling of cloth filled the halls. The women were already up, carrying candles to the shrine and preparing breakfast. The air smelled of herbs, freshly baked bread, and boiled spices.
Jaden was already awake, as usual.
He sat alone at the long, shining table in the dining hall. The polished wood reflected the light above, glowing as if the table itself was lit from within. Jaden's hands rested on his knees, his eyes watching the steam rise from the cups on the table.
A young girl brought him a bowl of warm rice and broth with flatbread. She set it down carefully in front of him, smiled, and bowed.
Jaden gave a small nod in return. A quiet thank you.
He picked up the spoon slowly, eating in silence. His eyes, calm but distant, stared at the food as if his mind was somewhere else entirely.
Soon, Luna joined him.
She sat across from him, her eyes still soft with the memory of last night. She didn't speak right away. She just watched him for a moment. She noticed how he held himself—tense but still. Like someone always ready for battle.
"Did you sleep okay?" she finally asked.
Jaden didn't lift his eyes. He gave a short nod. "I did," he said simply.
That was enough for Luna.
She rested her chin on her hand, smiling faintly as she watched her brother eat. She noticed how quiet he was. Not just today—but always. The years had made him quiet. Careful. Cold.
She wanted to ask him more—about Master Shang, about his missions, about how he survived. But she held back. Some answers take time.
Just then, footsteps approached.
A young man with dark hair, warm brown eyes, and a cheerful grin entered the room. His steps were light, his smile bright. He looked right at Jaden as he neared the table.
"So," the man said with a chuckle, "I've finally met Luna's famous brother."
Jaden looked up, his face unreadable.
The young man reached out his hand. "I'm Ari."
Luna smiled, turning to her brother. "Jaden, this is Ari. We met here at the temple."
Jaden shook Ari's hand. "Nice to meet you."
"And you too," Ari replied, sliding into the seat next to Luna. "You have a beautiful and amazing sister," he added with a playful smile.
Luna laughed softly, lightly nudging Ari's arm. "Stop it," she said, blushing just a little.
Jaden looked at them quietly.
It didn't take much to figure it out. The way they looked at each other. The way Luna leaned into Ari's shoulder. The way Ari's hand rested just near hers, like it belonged there.
They were lovers.
Jaden didn't expect that. In all his imagining of what life would've been like if they'd reunited, he never pictured this. His little sister, in love. With someone who made her smile.
And as he looked at Ari, something eased in him. The guy seemed good—genuine. Playful. He could tell Ari had brought laughter back into Luna's life.
And for that, Jaden was grateful.
He gave a small nod of approval.
Ari didn't speak much after that, but the table felt lighter. Luna and Ari exchanged quiet smiles, small glances, soft nudges. Jaden sat across from them, eating slowly, watching them. His own face stayed calm, unreadable. But deep down, something stirred. A part of him that hadn't felt anything in a long time.
He thought of love.
Not in the romantic way. Not for himself. That part of him felt long gone. He didn't think love had a place in the life he lived—a life filled with blades and blood, with revenge and silence. Maybe, he thought, in another world. Another lifetime. But not this one.
Still, seeing Luna happy gave him a strange peace. Maybe she could have the life he couldn't. Maybe that was enough.
They finished breakfast in near silence, but it wasn't the heavy kind. It was quiet, but warm. Peaceful.
And for now, that was enough.