The sun was just beginning to dip behind Kalayapaan’s skyline, casting golden streaks across the cobbled streets. Yumi and Liwayway trailed behind the escort group from a safe distance, weaving through alleys and market stalls, careful not to draw attention. The group—led by Liwayway’s father and a few Moonshadow Sentinels—was heading toward the Eastern Trade Bridge, a wide stone structure that connected the city’s inner sanctum to the merchant district.
“Liwayway! They’ll see us. Let’s stay a little farther back,” Yumi whispered, grabbing her friend’s arm as Liwayway nearly stepped too close behind the sentinels.
“You’re too nervous. Come on, or we’ll lose sight of them,” Liwayway replied, tugging her forward.
Just as they reached the foot of the bridge, a blinding, high-pitched blast of magic erupted from the far end—bright, sharp, and loud. Screams followed. Several masked figures in black cloaks appeared, launching spells toward the Moonshadow Sentinels that Liwayway had been following.
Panic spread like wildfire.
People scattered in every direction—running, pushing, shouting. The bridge became a sea of chaos. Yumi grabbed Liwayway’s wrist, trying to hold on, but the force of the crowd was too strong.
“Liwayway!” she shouted, but the noise drowned out her voice.
Their hands slipped apart.
No matter how hard she tried to move, Yumi couldn’t escape the crush of bodies. She couldn’t see Liwayway anymore. Someone stepped on her foot, and others shoved her in random directions, causing her to stumble. Slowly, she was pushed toward the edge of the bridge, where an old storm had damaged the railing.
She gasped, arms flailing, nearly falling.
In desperation, she reached for the nearest thing—grabbing the white cloak of a man standing nearby.
He didn’t move.
His presence was strangely calm amid the chaos, like the eye of a storm. Yumi clung to the fabric, breathless, heart pounding.
The man turned slightly, and beneath his hood, she caught a glimpse of his face. She gasped again.
He was the most handsome man she had ever seen.
His eyes were almond-shaped and soulful, carrying a hint of melancholy and mystery. His nose was straight and elegant, adding to his refined profile. His lips were naturally full and gently curved, perfect for subtle expressions. His face was long and delicate, with a soft jawline and high cheekbones that gave him a noble silhouette.
A sudden shove from the side snapped her out of her daze. She felt his hand on her back. He pulled her close to his chest, as if shielding her from the chaos.
With no other choice—and feeling the overwhelming force of the panicked crowd—Yumi grabbed the front of his cloak and buried her face against him, eyes shut tight, seeking safety. She didn’t care if he was dangerous or if he thought she was foolish. Even though she didn’t know him, she clung to him as if he were her only refuge.
She didn’t know how long she stayed like that. His hand remained on her back—not tight, just firm enough to protect her.
“You’re safe.”
She opened her eyes at the sound of his deep voice. She felt his hand slowly withdraw, and he gently stepped away.
As her eyes adjusted from being closed for so long, she realized he was gone. All she saw was his back disappearing into the crowd. She looked around. The chaos had mostly subsided. Only a few curious onlookers remained, some peering over the edge of the bridge where several people had fallen. Others were wading into the water, rescuing those who couldn’t swim.
“I didn’t even get to thank him,” she sighed, then remembered his face and smiled.
“There’s someone that handsome in the world?” She shook her head, realizing how wide her smile had become just thinking about him. She wasn’t easily attracted to men, no matter how famous or good-looking. But something about him made her feel safe—like nothing could hurt her as long as he was there.
“In fairness… he smelled really good.” She giggled at the thought.
A sharp slap on her arm made her turn.
It was Liwayway, eyes puffy from crying, who immediately hugged her.
“Yumi! I thought something happened to you! I was so scared when I couldn’t reach or find you. And here you are, giggling?” she sobbed.
Yumi hugged her tightly, patting her back until she calmed down.
“Are you okay? Were you hurt?” she asked, checking her friend for injuries from the earlier commotion. Liwayway shook her head.
“An old man helped me. What about you? Why are you so happy?”
Liwayway frowned.
“Someone helped me too. A really handsome guy. I swear, he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.” Her friend’s eyes widened.
“Where is he?” Liwayway asked, looking around.
“He’s gone. Just disappeared. Right after he said, ‘You’re safe.’”
“What?!”
Yumi laughed at Liwayway’s reaction, disappointment written all over her face.
“You’re so slow.”
“He vanished into the crowd. I wanted to follow him, but he was already gone. Let’s just forget it. Maybe I’ll see him again someday,” she said, raising her eyebrows playfully.
“I don’t know about you. Come on, let’s catch up with my fathers. I saw them head down that alley. I overheard someone say they’re going to another province—where one of the most famous artifact markets is located.”
Liwayway’s face showed determination. Yumi sighed and nodded.
“Is your dad okay after that sudden attack by those men in black?”
Liwayway nodded. “I asked around. No Moonshadow Sentinels were hurt, so I’m sure he’s fine. Let’s go.”
Yumi followed her friend.