The aftermath of Cal’s attack was quite devastating. I scanned over the area, where the steel like creature once stood—now it was as if it never existed, leaving not even a strand of mana. The floor, a bare witness to its former presence, cracked and scarred from the heavy impact of the battle

How strong is he, really? The question echoed in my mind, mingling with the shock of what had just transpired.

The room now felt more eery silent, like a huge shadow of weight lurching over, eyeing its fearful predator hungrily. A cold chill ran down my spine, palpable goosebumps.

Eekk. I flinched in my own thoughts.

Shaking my head, I pulled myself back to the present. My gaze shifted to Cal. Amethyst flames danced gracefully from his palm, swirling as they hungrily enveloped the lifeless forms of Lilia and Dorian. The heat, strangely cold from where I stood, devoured their bodies in an eternal, melancholy glow.

I hope they find peace. Thank you for being with me, even if it was fleeting.

With a heavy heart, I clasped my palms together and closed my eyes, offering a silent prayer in their names. Images of memories; their laughter, companionship began to rush past my occupied mind, accompanied by surge of emotions, it was overflowing. I clenched my fists, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill, but the memories flooded my mind like a tide.

Pushing myself to look up, I locked eyes with Cal. His sharp features were softened by the flickering flames, and for a brief moment, I saw something in his gaze—something soft, a sweet smile tugging at the corners of his lips as if he recalled a distant, beautiful memory.

“Cal," I cleared my throat, steadying myself. "I’d like to hear about that day... if you're okay with it.”

He tensed, his muscles stiffening as he turned toward me. His sapphire eyes, usually cold and calculating, flickered with an emotion I couldn't quite place. After a pause, he spoke, his voice quieter than before.

“It’s painful to bring up. Some memories are best kept hidden,” he said, his gaze distant. "But you deserve to know... especially for your kind, who will face death as mercy.”

His words struck me like sharp needle. Every sentence he uttered was laced with vengeance and grief, and as I listened, I felt my eyes blur again. The longer he spoke, the more my eyes stung, until tears began to spill, one drop after another.

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The Asura—humans and dwarves…they had conspired so cowardly…

His story clashed with everything I had been told, like two massive waves crashing against each other I tried to absorb it all, but now I understood why he seemed so cold, so detached. I couldn’t keep looking into his eyes, the surge of emotion rising inside me was overwhelming, like a tide that couldn’t be stopped.

“I—I am so sorry, Cal”, I stammered, breaking the long, tensed silence. I knew that my apology won’t bring back the dead, a hollow apology. But it was all I could offer. “If—if my father could help you… He doesn’t trust humans either.”

“there’s no need.”, Caladrel cut in shortly, his voice cold and distant. The warmth from earlier completely gone. His gaze bored into me, unyielding, sharp, as if searching something deep within my soul. “Just keep your mouth shut about my identity, Aelwyn.”

I opened my mouth to argue, to protest, but words never came out. A sudden, overwhelming sensation thrashed, violently inside my mind. My mind felt drunk, as if my entire senses were dancing in frenzy. Eyes darted forth, transitioning into a cloud of blurry vision.

Pain. Unrelenting, excruciating, tore through me, as if something was tearing every fibre of my being. My body convulsed, muscle seizing in response, every breath felt a struggle against the crushing agony.

A strangled scream tore from my throat, as my knees gave up, buckling. I registered the ground rushing up to me, but before I hit, strong arms, caught me. My dizzy eyes flickered to up to see Cal’s expression—concerned? His brow furrowed, an expression I hadn’t thought of him capable of.

Cal… the name escaped me, a mere whisper….

And I faded into oblivion.

Suwan Astralyon:

Panic, unbidden, never thought I would show again, washed over me. I forced myself to slow my breathing, a calming wave flooded my nerve, soothing my anxious mind. My eyes fell to the small figure tucked beneath my arm—alive. A breath escaped me, shaky but relieved.

But that relief was short leaved.

I flinched, nearly dropping her head. My mind raced with thousands of thoughts, as Aelwyn’s eyes were shot open.

Gone was the softness, replaced by a sharp lilac glow, her gaze piercing and unnatural. Gone was the softness, replaced by a sharp lilac glow, her gaze piercing and unnatural—Something’s wrong.

Before I could react, her arm wrapped around my neck, yanking me from contemplation. Before I could register Aelwyn’s incoming bosom, My lips met something soft—warm. The taste of roses lingered, freezing me in place as the world seemed to stop.

A moment passed, then another.

“Mm—mph!” I broke free, stumbling back as heat surged through my limbs. Blood pounded in my ears.

“What the hell are you?”, My voice was low, each word edged with restrained ire. I could still feel the imprint of her lips, lingering on mine. With the back of my hand, I wiped it off, but my eyes never left her—watchful, wary.

Then she spoke. Her voice was familiar, almost painfully so, and the smile… that smile I had longed to see again.

“Honey! It’s me, Elsiya!”