It's been days since Zelda first suggested the idea of sending Leona away for her safety, and though Link hasn't been able to shake the thought, he hasn't brought it up again. The castle, as well as Hyrule City, feels more tense lately. Dark clouds seem to loom over everything, and Link can sense the growing unrest across the kingdom.

Leona has sensed his unease, though she hasn't pressed him about it. They've spent their moments together like normal, finding comfort in one another, but the unspoken worry lingers in every embrace.

Today, Link's on edge more than usual. There's something in the air that feels... wrong.

He and Zelda have just returned from an early morning mission outside the city, scouting a report of a potential Yiga sighting. There's been little to show for it, only dead ends, but the lack of activity has made Link all the more uneasy. It's quiet—too quiet.

"Link, I'll be in the war room," Zelda says as they dismount their horses at the castle gate. Her voice is sharp, focused, like always. "I need to meet with the generals."

Link nods, but even as she heads inside, he lingers near the stables, scanning the city streets below. His gut twists, the feeling of impending danger growing with each breath.

Just as he turns to leave, he hears the faint sound of an explosion—a loud, echoing boom that shatters the quiet of the morning. His instincts kick in before his mind can catch up. Smoke rises from one of the buildings in the lower part of the city, and panic ripples through the streets as citizens scream and flee.

"Yiga," he mutters under his breath.

Without hesitation, Link sprints down toward the chaos. He can hear the clash of steel and the unmistakable war cries of Yiga assassins as they attack, their crimson garb flashing through the thick smoke. They're moving quickly, too quickly. Striking at civilians, guards, and anyone in their path.

Link draws his sword, diving into the fray. His blade meets the first Yiga assassin, their weapons clashing with a violent spark. But there are too many of them. For every one he cuts down, two more seem to appear.

"Get back to the castle!" he shouts at the civilians. "Take shelter!"

He fights his way through the chaos, his eyes darting across the streets, looking for any sign of Leona. She had mentioned going into the market today, just before he left with Zelda. His chest tightens with fear as the possibility of her being caught in the attack takes hold. He knows she can handle herself—Leona's not helpless—but against Yiga assassins? This is different.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the Hylian guard arrives in force, pushing the Yiga back and gaining control of the situation. The air is thick with smoke, and the smell of burning wood clings to Link's clothes. He's breathing hard, his arms aching from the fight, but his mind is focused on one thing.

"Leona," he whispers, his heart pounding as he moves through the remnants of the attack.

He searches the streets, calling her name. Panic grips him as he turns every corner, his mind racing with the worst possibilities. But finally, as he rounds a corner, he sees her—Leona, standing near one of the guard posts, unharmed but shaken. Relief washes over him, but only for a moment.

"Leona!" he calls out, rushing to her side.

She turns to him, her eyes wide with fear and relief. "Link, thank Hylia, you're alright."

He pulls her into a tight embrace, his heart still racing. "Are you hurt?" he asks, his voice rough with worry.

She shakes her head. "No, I'm fine. But... the city—"

"It's under control now," Link cuts in, glancing back at the streets. "The guards are handling it. But we need to get you back to the castle. It's not safe out here."

They return to the castle, but the attack leaves a heavy weight on Link's chest. That night, he can barely sleep, his mind haunted by the thought of how close Leona came to danger. How close he came to losing her. The next morning, his decision feels clearer than ever.

Later that day, Link stands in the courtyard with Zelda, the sounds of the city slowly returning to normal. The princess is standing at the edge of the stone walkway, her arms crossed as she watches over the recovery efforts from the attack.

"You fought well yesterday," Zelda says, breaking the silence. "The Yiga caught us off guard, but you acted quickly."

Link doesn't respond right away. He's still replaying the events in his mind, the constant feeling of danger lingering.

Zelda turns to him, her eyes sharper than usual. "But I noticed something, Link. You were... distracted again."

Her words hit him harder than they should, but before he can speak, she continues.

"I know you care about her," Zelda says softly, her tone lacking the usual edge. "Leona is important to you. But this attack—what happened yesterday—it's a reminder that things are only going to get worse. The Yiga aren't just targeting soldiers and guards. They're coming after civilians. They'll go after anyone connected to us. To you."

Link looks away, the weight of her words pressing down on him. He knows what she's leading to, but he can't bring himself to admit it yet.

"You need to think about her safety," Zelda continues. "Keeping her here in the castle... it's too risky. We barely stopped the Yiga yesterday, and what if they come back?"

The idea makes Link's stomach churn. The thought of Leona in danger, or worse... he can't bear it.

"I'm not saying this to be harsh," Zelda adds, her voice gentle now. "But you have to make a choice. You can't protect her if she's here. But if she were somewhere safer... somewhere farther away from the castle, then maybe..."

Link closes his eyes, the guilt crashing over him like a tidal wave. He knows she's right. As much as he hates to admit it, Zelda's words make sense. Leona's presence in the castle is a vulnerability, not just for him, but for her.

"I don't want to lose her," Link says quietly, more to himself than to Zelda.

Zelda steps closer, her expression softening. "I know. But keeping her here might put her at even greater risk. If you truly care about her... then maybe it's time to let her go. Just for now. Until things calm down."

Link feels the weight of the decision pressing down on him. It's not a matter of wanting to send Leona away—it's a matter of needing to. For her safety. For the kingdom. But that doesn't make it any easier.

"I'll think about it," he says finally, his voice heavy with emotion.

Zelda nods, her empathy clear in her eyes. "Take your time. But don't wait too long."

That night, Link and Leona sit in her room, the tension between them palpable. He hasn't told her yet—he's been avoiding the conversation. But he knows it's time.

"Leona," he begins, his voice barely above a whisper. "We need to talk."

She looks at him, her brow furrowed in concern. "What's wrong?"

He takes a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Yesterday... the attack. It was too close. You were too close to danger."

Leona reaches for his hand, her touch calming him slightly. "But I'm fine, Link. We're both fine."

"I know," he says, his heart heavy. "But it could've been worse. And I can't keep putting you in that kind of danger. I can't protect you here."

Leona's expression changes, the realization of what he's saying dawning on her. "You want me to leave the castle?"

Link closes his eyes, nodding slowly. "It's not what I want, but... I think it's what's best. Zelda thinks so too. If you're farther away, somewhere safer, then I won't have to worry about you getting hurt. I can focus on protecting the kingdom."

Leona is silent for a long moment, her hand still resting on his. Finally, she speaks, her voice soft. "I understand."

Her words are simple, but they cut deep. Link feels the guilt twisting inside him, but he knows this is the right decision.

"We'll figure it out," he says, trying to sound reassuring. "It's just for now. Once things settle down, we'll be together again. I promise."

Leona nods, but the sadness in her eyes is unmistakable. They sit in silence, both of them grappling with the weight of the decision.