The lantern's flicker caught the edge of something cold as Vansh slid a small, sleek pistol across the cracked floorboards toward Pearl.
Her eyes widened. "What — what is this?"
He met her gaze, voice steady but serious."You need to learn how to use it."
Pearl recoiled, shaking her head fiercely."My life was peaceful before you showed up with your secrets and your lies. I don't want this."
Vansh jaw tightened, stepping closer."I was always there, Pearl. Even when you didn't see me. Watching. Protecting. But the world you want — the peace — it's gone."
She swallowed hard, emotions twisting inside her."Why do I need a gun? What's coming?"
His eyes darkened."If you learn, I'll tell you some of the truth. The real truth. But you have to be ready."
Pearl stared at the weapon like it was a symbol of everything broken between them."Why should I trust you?"
He exhaled slowly, pain and something softer flickering across his face."Because no one else will help you survive what's coming. And because… I don't want to lose you again."
The rain outside intensified, drumming against the metal walls as Pearl reached out, her fingers trembling as she picked up the gun.
Vansh grabbed Pearl's trembling hands, steadying her grip on the gun.
"Listen," he said, voice low but firm, "it's not about strength. It's about control. You have to control your fear. Or it'll control you."
Pearl's jaw clenched, eyes burning with frustration. "I don't want to be afraid."
He stepped closer, close enough that she could feel the heat from his body.
"You will be. Every time. But that's why you learn to fight it."
His fingers adjusted her stance, pushing her elbows in, aligning her shoulders.
"Breathe in. Hold. Aim. Breathe out. Steady. Don't jerk the trigger."
She followed his instructions, heart pounding so loud it echoed in her ears.
After a shaky breath, she squeezed the trigger. The gun clicked empty.
Vansh's eyes softened for a brief moment. "Good."
She pulled back, frustrated. "This isn't me. This isn't who I want to be."
He shook his head, voice low and urgent. "It has to be. Because the world you want — the peace you crave — doesn't exist anymore."
Pearl looked up at him, vulnerability slipping through her anger.
"Why me? Why now?"
"Because I can't protect you forever. And you can't protect yourself unless you try."
The tension between them hung heavy, every word loaded with more than just fear or anger.
Vansh voice dropped to almost a whisper: "If you learn this… maybe I can finally tell you the truth."
Pearl swallowed hard, gripping the gun tighter.
"Then teach me."