I turned around quickly, my heart skipping just a bit — I wasn’t expecting company.

But when I saw that massive silhouette by the door, that steady presence I knew too well, I exhaled slowly.
It was him.
My orc guardian.

I hadn't seen him in days. I thought he had already gone back to the city ahead of me, but there he was… standing in the room, arms crossed, watching me in silence like he always did. Protective. Unmoving. Constant.

I gave him a small smile and adjusted my bikini top.
“Don’t sneak up on me like that,” I said softly. “You’re too quiet for someone your size.”

He didn’t laugh. He never did. But something in his eyes relaxed.

“I got a new job,” I added, leaning forward on the couch. “When we go back… I’ll still work a few more days at the hospital. Some patients I want to see. Some goodbyes I need to give.”

I paused for a second.

“…Then, I start my new life. Modeling.”

Saying it out loud still felt strange. But it was happening. This body, this energy, this presence — it was meant to be seen. Maybe even worshipped, a little.

He just nodded. He understood.
He always did.