There was a nervous tension in the moments after she spoke. It creeped about her, anxiety wrapping its hateful tendrils around her as it whispered in her ear: ”Silly girl, there is nothing to talk about. He could never want you, why would he? He’s not even here, Farant is dead, his task is over.” Mismatched portals blinked rapidly, jaw clenched even as a fine tremble overcame her, determined to keep herself steady for as long as possible.

It was all a ruse - the moment Akuji stepped into her line of vision, relief came over her like a tidal wave. The tension that held her rigid disappeared, her posture softening as she breathed deeply, tipping her head back to the sky once more. ”Thank you,” she whispered to the goddess, barely loud enough for her to hear herself. Katia knew there was no use in attempting to collect herself, not when he would see right through her. It had taunted her for so long, that he knew her well enough to see through any lie or facade she might attempt, and yet now it brought a strange sort of peace. It soothed the ache of loneliness that had /haunted her through her childhood, was a comfort she could hold on to when she felt as though she no longer knew herself.

The golden blood returned her gaze to him, searching for any sign of new injury. The rumble of his growl was familiar - and that alone brought an amused tilt to her lips, even as russety-grey ears lifted to listen to him. ”There is nothing to talk about, Princess, the threat of Farant is gone. While you live here so too must I so that you are...safe…” The last of his words were stuttered and the woman watched as he averted his gaze, though he hadn’t yet met her dualies. He couldn’t have show her his nerves or, presumably, his guilt any clearer if he’d used a neon sign. Katia remained silent, patiently waiting for him to resume speaking. ”I will return to the shadows, to the darkness for that is where this brute belongs. You belong in the light and far from me.” She let the silence fall, even as aggression flooded her.

Finally, she spoke. ”I don’t think where I belong is your decision to make, Akuji.” Her words were sharp, meant not to injure but to impact. ”All my life decisions have been made for me, and I am sick of it.” Emerald and earth eyes locked on him, fierce and unwavering. She hadn’t necessarily planned on pouring out all her emotions for him to see, but something told her the time was right - to do it now before he retreated from her, ready to spend the rest of his days paying back whatever debt he had created for himself. ”Do you really think that I want that? Want for you to be away from me? I have spent at least the last year with you as my sword and shield, my constant shadow. You brought me peace when I had none, and I shall forever be grateful to you for that.”

The woman paused, jaw clenching briefly as her heart raced in her breast. ”I have fallen asleep to the sound of your heart on countless nights, relied on you for strength when I was weak, sought the comfort of your presence when the world seemed to crumble around me. You have been more to me than a simple guard, and yet you think that I would want you to stay away? When, pray tell, have I ever asked that of you?” Katia’s words failed her, but she refused to give in to instinct and look away. She had faced so much more in her lifetime and come through it all, and she bolstered her courage once more. ”If you have ignored all that I’ve said, listen now.” Her stomach churned as her confession settled on her tongue, her heart pounding as nervous anticipation danced along her ribcage. ”You’ve claimed my heart, Akuji. It belongs to you - my defender, my rock, my beast. Never have I loved someone the way that I love you - and that will not change, no matter how far into the shadows you hide.” She fell silent then, her heart laid out and waiting for his judgement. Katia found no shame in this, in laying her all out in front of him. Akuji had been able to see through her from the very first day, and today would be no different.