SAFRIN
The stars winked into clarity one by one as Deepfrost’s chill breeze swept across the lighthouse. The sounds of the ocean, rhythmic and steady, seemed to hush in anticipation. Then, with a subtle shimmer of moonlight, Safrin appeared. Her gown was a swirl of midnight blue and silver, like the sky she wore as her mantle, and her dark curls were adorned with tiny, twinkling pearls.
"My Tidebreaker," she greeted softly, her voice carrying like a gentle wave upon the shore. Her galactic eyes alighted on Hadama first, warmth and approval in their depths, before drifting to the ebony box and the armlet laid reverently upon the altar. A pleased smile curved her lips, and she lifted the box in slender hands, her fingertips gently brushing over the diamond constellations. "You do spoil me," she said with affectionate amusement, her voice catching the hush of the night.
Setting the box down, Safrin’s gaze shifted to the armlet. "And you have been resting more," she noted, her tone teasing but undeniably fond. "I can feel the difference in you, Hadama." Her slender fingers hovered over the metal as if reading its story, her eyes half-lidded in focus. "You have done much in my name, but you have cared for yourself as well, just as I asked."
She lowered her hand, pressing it lightly against his forearm, her touch warm and undeniably real. "Now, it is my turn to care for you. Let us see how we might strengthen your armour further. You’ll need every advantage if you are to continue bearing the weight of the tides, after all."
Turning back to the armlet, Safrin’s lashes fluttered shut. The air filled with the faint scent of moonflower and lavender, and a glow began to emanate from beneath her palm. Slowly, starlight seeped into the metal, making it gleam like liquid silver. Specks of light, like distant galaxies, flickered across its surface as though it contained an entire night sky.
"There," she whispered, stepping back and releasing a soft breath as she opened her eyes. A smile lit her face, gentle pride and deep affection shining in her gaze. "Well done, my Tidebreaker. Now—go, and continue to shine for me."
Congratulations! Hadama's armour has been upgraded to Mastered!
