Nana was currently playing at the back side of the Tower with a small red ball.

The place was quiet at this hour. Tall stone walls encircled the garden, their surfaces softened by creeping vines and faint moss that thrived in the shade.

It had been over eight days since her brother and sister had left her here.

Nana understood their circumstances. At least, she understood as much as a child could. That was why she did not cry before others anymore. She did not want her sister to hear complaints about Nana. She did not want anyone to think she was being troublesome.

So instead, she focused on the things before her.

She now woke up early every morning. The light that slipped through the curtains gently nudged her awake, and she no longer needed anyone to shake her shoulder. She took a bath by herself, carefully copying the way Sister Ness had shown her. She poured water slowly so it would not spill, scrubbed until her arms felt warm, and wrapped herself in a towel that was far too big for her.

She now had many dresses. More than she had ever offered before.

Choosing which one to wear had become the best part of her day. Nana would sit on the edge of her bed, legs swinging slightly as she stared at the neatly folded clothes. Sometimes she picked the soft one. Sometimes the bright one. Sometimes the one her sister once said looked cute on her. She always took her time.

After that, she had breakfast with Sister Ness. Nana listened while Sister Ness spoke about things Nana barely understood. The words were difficult, but the tone was kind, and that was enough.

Then Sister Ness takes her outside. Sometimes to the market, where Nana held her hand tightly as people passed by. Sometimes they simply walked around the Tower. There were many corridors, many stairs, many doors Nana had not yet seen behind.

Big sister Emma's house was very big.

Even though Nana had spent so many days here, she still had not seen everything. Some hallways echoed when she walked through them. Some rooms were so quiet that Nana felt she had to walk slower, even when no one told her to. There were places where the walls were lined with portraits and others where sunlight spilled freely, painting the stone floors gold.

Sister Ness was very nice to Nana.

She always tried to talk to her, even though Nana could barely understand what she said. She never seemed annoyed when Nana only nodded or smiled in response. Sometimes, she crouched down to Nana's height and spoke slower, her hands moving as if trying to help the words make sense.

Other than her, there was also big sister Emma's father.

He was a very strange but sweet man.

He brought Nana sweets every time he came home, hiding them in his coat like a secret treasure. He once tried to braid Nana's hair, sitting her down with a serious expression as if preparing for an important task. His fingers fumbled, the braid came apart, and Nana laughed so hard that her stomach hurt.

He laughed too, scratching his head awkwardly as if embarrassed.

Nana liked him.

All in all, Nana's life was smooth now.

She did not need to spend her days in a small place where there was no sun. She could wander in the garden as much as she wanted. She did not get scolded for asking questions. And every night, she slept on a soft bed that did not hurt her back.

Her life was much better now.

But every single night, Nana still stood near the window.

She looked outside, staring at the long path that led away from the Tower. Sometimes she pressed her hands against the glass, her breath fogging the surface as she waited. Every time someone knocked on the door, Nana felt her heart leap as she rushed to check if it was her big brother.

She really missed them.

Even now, as she stood in the garden, her eyes were fixed on the forest beyond the gate. The trees stood dark and unmoving, their shadows stretching long as the evening deepened. Nana hugged the ball tightly to her chest, her fingers pressing into its surface as if afraid it might disappear too.

She waited.

She hoped.

She knew they were busy. That was what she told herself. That was why all she could do was count days.

'But brother said seven days…' she thought.

She raised both hands and began counting on her fingers. One. Two. Three. The ball slipped from her grasp and rolled across the grass, stopping near the stone path. Nana did not notice.

It took her a few moments before she finished counting.

Her hands slowly lowered.

Her shoulders drooped.

Big brother broke the promise.

This was not the first time she had counted since morning. She had done it again and again, hoping the number would change. But every time she reached the same conclusion, her eyes burned.

Tears gathered.

'No… don't cry…' she told herself, furiously wiping her eyes with the back of her sleeve. She sniffed, forcing herself to breathe normally. She did not want anyone to see her like this.

…

Emma and William froze near the stairs.

They had arrived moments ago using the teleportation portal. The lingering shimmer of magic had barely faded when they learned Nana was in the back garden. They did not waste time.

But as they approached, they saw her.

A small girl standing alone. Her head lowered. Her hands wiping her eyes.

They exchanged a glance. Both of them felt their chests tighten. Their eyes trembled before either of them could say a word.

William moved first.

He reached Nana and knelt down, pulling her into his arms without hesitation.

Nana froze.

A small sound of surprise escaped her throat as familiar arms wrapped around her. Warmth surrounded her. A hand rested gently on her head, fingers brushing through her hair in a way she knew all too well.

She slowly looked up.

Blue eyes met hers.

Emma's eyes were wet as well as she whispered, "Sorry, Nana… we were late."

Only then did Nana realize.

'Big… brother…'

Her lips trembled. Her eyes filled completely as tears spilled over. She wrapped her arms around William's neck and cried silently, her small body shaking.

Emma knelt beside them and wrapped her arms around both of them.

Around them, soldiers and staff paused. Conversations stopped. For a brief moment, the Tower seemed to breathe with them. No one spoke. No one moved.

It took time, but Nana slowly calmed down.

William pulled back slightly and wiped the corner of her eyes with his thumb.

[Sorry, Nana. I broke the promise.]

Nana sniffled and lowered her head.

[Big brother said… seven days…]

Emma heard the exchange and spoke softly, pressing a hand to her chest. "It was because of me. I got injured, and William had to stay."

Nana's eyes widened in panic. She reached up, touching Emma's face carefully, as if to check she was fine.

Emma laughed quietly and hugged her. "I am okay now, Nana. Better than ever."

Nana did not understand the words, but she understood the warmth. Her body relaxed.

William stood and said, "Let's go inside. The wind is getting chilly."

Nana raised her arms toward him.

William did not hesitate. He lifted her easily, holding her close. Nana smiled and rubbed her cheek against his, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

William closed his eyes, his shoulders finally relaxing.

Emma pouted. "She always prefers her brother."

William chuckled and wrapped an arm around Emma as they walked toward the Tower.

This was what he lived for.

This was what he fought for.

A quiet life, with the people he loved safe beside him.

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