Everyone could see it. Even though he spoke to them all, his true words were for her.
"You've all done more than enough," he repeated, this time with a small nod, as if sealing a vow in his heart.
"And I'm truly, deeply grateful."
A heavy, emotional silence settled over the group. None of them flinched. No one took a step back. Their hearts had already been set long before they even reached this forest.
They were in this together, for better or worse.
"I told you already," Nnenna replied, her voice steady and clear, "I didn't just come on this mission for you. I came to improve my own skills too."
She met Abuchi's eyes directly, knowing fully well that his earlier words had been meant for her most especially.
"So after doing 'more than enough,' I still want to do more, not just for you, but for myself as well. I can't grow if I keep hiding inside the castle. I have to face real danger. I have to be out here."
