It didn't take Sidus long before he came back along with Immy. Her face looked cold as they walked back into the house. It seemed like he had already updated her on our situation.

I closed the door behind us, and we moved to the living room, where Ynos was still peacefully sleeping. Essie was sitting at the table, busy munching on the snacks she got from our earlier trip.

Breta had moved to sit next to me. Her eyes subtly scanned our surroundings. Although she didn't show it, she was in a constant state of alert, ready to react in case of anything.

"I wonder what's taking Syra so long," Immy was the first one to speak, breaking the heavy silence.

"It hasn't been that long yet, so I'm sure she's okay," I answered.

Breta nodded by my side and added, "From what I felt when it comes to her, she's very strong."

"True. I didn't get a good chance to sense the extent of her power, but from what I saw, her mastery over lightning is impressive," I replied.

"She's as old as Grandmother, I suppose that's to be expected," Immy spoke.

"Well, since we are all here, how about we play a round of that game, you guys were playing," I smiled.

Sidus' eyes lit up as he nodded, "Yes! This time, you can't run!" He said while pointing at Immy.

The white-haired dragoness rolled her eyes and answered, "Who said anything about running away, I was simply bored of winning."

"Winning?! You were only up by one game!" Sidus growled.

A small chuckle escaped my mouth as I shook my head and turned to Breta, "I guess it's going to be me and you."

The Goddess nodded, and placed the board between us before asking, "White or Black?"

"I'll go white," I grinned.

*******

"How?!" I scratched my head in annoyance.

Breta was sitting elegantly in front of me, her back straight and hair flowing smoothly behind her back giving her a celestial aura. She had a small satisfied smile on her face as she glanced at me with amusement.

"Well, who would have thought you'd be so bad," she teased.

My frown deepened as I glanced at the board in front of me, I already lost this game, making it a total of fifteen consecutive losses. I have long since forgotten about Immy and Sidus's game, and was instead focused on the one with the beautiful Goddess in front of me.

Stolen novel; please report.

"Are you sure you're not cheating?" I asked in annoyance.

Breta gave a rare chuckle before she leaned in closer to my face, her hand reached out and grabbed my chin as she looked directly into my eyes, "I kind of like your human form, It makes it much easier to read your emotions," she said with a predatorial grin, catching me by surprise.

My mouth opened and closed as I did not know how to reply, and my heart silently skipped a beat. Breta's smile remained as she moved her hand and motioned to the board.

"Go on, I'll teach you," she said. Her smile of satisfaction never quite left her face.

I took a deep breath and shook my head, "Teach me? You're lucky, I was just going easy on you."

"Oh, is that so?" She said.

"Of course!"

"Well, then. Show me what you've got, Aether."

"Hmph,"

*******

I lost.

It was simply impossible to win against her. It was as if she was able to read my mind. She managed to predict my movements long before I made them, and every time I thought I had the advantage, she would lead me by the nose, only for me to fall into her trap.

I didn't want to admit it and give her the satisfaction, but she was undoubtedly the better player.

It wasn't as if didn't improve, no, she was simply that much better. I had lost count of how many games I had lost. Immy and Sidus had long since stopped and retired back to their rooms.

Little Essie was sleeping next to Ynos, snuggled against his chest. The giant was surprisingly considerate as he conveniently moved to leave enough space for her.

With everyone sleeping, It was just us playing.

A sigh escaped my mouth as I dropped my king, "I lost…"

"Of course, you did," Breta said, her head leaning on her palm as she looked at me with a smile.

Annoyed, I couldn't help but reply, "You've been smiling quite a lot lately," I said.

Hearing that, her brows were raised in surprise before she moved her hand to touch her face, her smile dimmed for a split second before it returned, as bright as ever.

"I guess I have," she said.

"Wha—"

She then stood up and walked past me, ruffling my hair as she went, "Goodnight, Aether."

"Good night…"

With her gone, the living room suddenly felt less bright. My eyes subconsciously drifted down to the chessboard, as I glanced at her pieces, a long sigh escaped my mouth.

"Well, fuck." I quietly muttered to myself.

*****

That night, I didn't sleep all that well. By the time, morning came I could hear everyone talking and bustling in the living room, I remained unmoving in my bed staring at the ceiling.

A yawn escaped my mouth as I raised my hand in front of me and glanced at it for a few seconds. Shaking my head, I forced myself to stand up, leaving the comfort of the bed as I stretched and made my way out of the room.

If there was anything I enjoyed while being in human form, it would be the beds and the food.

As soon as I opened my room door, I was met face-to-face with Breta who was standing there about to knock.

"Ah,"

"O-Oh, morning!" I said.

"Morning, I came to wake you up for Breakfast. Syra came back as well," said Breta.

"Is that so, I'll be right there. Thank you," I answered a bit awkwardly. Breta then nodded and turned to leave.

Once she was away, I couldn't help but facepalm. 'What the hell was that?! Why was it so awkward?!'

I scratched my hair in annoyance and abruptly paused when I felt a presence looking at me. Raising my head, my eyes came face to face with Sidus who was standing in the corner of the hallway, the darkness making it hard to make out his figure.

"What are you doing there!?" I shouted.

"N-Nothing!" He stammered before blending in with the shadows and disappearing from my sight.

"God damn it, there goes the respect."