Whispers of the forgotten

After leaving the cursed castle and completing their mission successfully, Morpheus and Lunara made their way back to the city. The journey was long, wrapped in a relative calm after the fierce battles they had endured. The sun hung low on the horizon, painting the surrounding mountains with a warm golden hue, while the cool breeze gently brushed against their faces.

Lunara walked with steady steps, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, while Morpheus gazed into the distant horizon, trying to process everything that had transpired.

"Morpheus," Lunara said suddenly, looking at him.

"Yes?" he responded in a calm tone.

"Have you ever thought about life away from all this? Away from fighting, shadows, and impossible missions?"

Morpheus paused for a moment, then smiled faintly as he looked down at the ground. "Sometimes, but I feel like this is my fate. The shadows are where I belong. What about you? Do you dream of a life beyond the sword and battles?"

Lunara took her time to answer, and when she did, her voice carried a note of wistfulness. "Maybe. But I can barely remember what a normal life feels like. My family, my friends... I've lost them all to this endless war. Sometimes I wonder, am I fighting for something? Or am I just fighting to survive?"

Morpheus looked at her with eyes full of understanding. "We're not machines, Lunara. Even in the darkest moments, we need something to hold on to. Something that gives us a reason to keep going."

---

As time passed, the sky began to shift into a sunset, drenching the horizon in warm colors. As they neared the city, Lunara seemed deep in thought, falling silent for several moments. Then, breaking the quiet, she asked an unexpected question:

"Morpheus, I want to ask you something."

He glanced at her with curiosity but replied, "Of course. What is it?"

She raised an eyebrow with a sly smile. "What kind of women do you prefer?"

Morpheus froze in his tracks, his expression a mix of surprise and embarrassment. "What prompted that question all of a sudden?"

Lunara shrugged nonchalantly, though there was a teasing grin on her lips. "Just curious. We've fought side by side and faced death together more times than I can count. I think I've earned the right to know something personal about you."

Morpheus sighed, trying to compose himself. "Well... if you really want an honest answer..."

She watched him expectantly as he turned away for a moment, as if avoiding her gaze. Then he said, "I prefer older women. Those who carry kindness and wisdom in their character. I feel like they understand life on a deeper level."

Lunara's eyes widened slightly in surprise before she burst into a soft laugh. "Older women, huh? I didn't see that coming."

Morpheus felt a bit flustered but smiled. "And you? Do you have a type?"

Lunara shook her head, laughing. "I don't think I have the luxury of thinking about that. My life's too chaotic to focus on something like that."

---

When they reached the city gates, they paused for a moment, looking at the lights that filled the bustling streets. They felt a sense of relief, as if they had finally escaped the darkness that had surrounded them.

Lunara placed a hand on Morpheus' shoulder and said, "Maybe we need some time to relax after everything that happened. But don't forget, the real battle hasn't begun yet."

Morpheus smiled and nodded. "Yes. But until then, I'll enjoy every peaceful moment we get."

As they entered the city together, there was a newfound sense of connection between them, as if the journey had been more than just a mission—a step toward a deeper understanding of one another.