"So let us get this straight…" Sketch began, setting his drink down with a dull clink against the table.

Key, lazily chewing on what looked like an Abyssal Beast's roasted chicken leg—except its bone had glowing sigils—gestured for him to continue, eyes half-lidded in amusement.

"We were captured by powerful Abyssal Dragons—"

"—Then sent to the Abyssal Chasm—" Gamble chimed in, arms crossed as he leaned back in his seat.

"—Put to sleep in weird translucent pods…" Nythra added, twirling a lock of black hair between her fingers.

"—While you faced off against the four warlords of the Shattered Depths?!" Speedy suddenly yelled, slamming her hands down on the table. "Soo unfair!"

"But wait..there's more." Key said with a chuckle, casually taking another bite.

"Then, after you confront the Abyssal Dragons, they offer you power, but you reject it—only to turn them into 'real' people??" Spam finished, tossing her hands in the air in exasperation.

Across the table, two figures exchanged glances.

Dheerash, his now humanoid form exuding the raw presence of an apex predator, merely shrugged. Beside him, Eunoia, ever composed, nodded.

"Think of us as humanoid dragons.." Dheerash clarified, his voice smooth yet carrying an undertone of something ancient. "But you're right nonetheless."

A moment of silence passed as the information sank in.

Then, Nythra leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table, fingers idly tracing the rim of her glass.

"But there's one more thing… Key."

The casual ease in Key's expression faltered—just slightly. His chewing slowed. His sharp instincts kicked in.

He swallowed.

Nythra was smiling.

But not the usual soft, amused smile she often wore around him. No. This was the kind of smile women wore when they were so pissed that even the gods would tread carefully.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Key—wise beyond his years and several lifetimes over—knew better than to let this escalate in front of everyone.

"Nythra," he said smoothly, setting his half-eaten meal down. "would you like to talk in private?"

"Oh, Key," she said sweetly, standing up from her chair with practiced elegance. "I would love to."

A weighted silence settled over the room.

Sketch exchanged a wary glance with Gamble. Gamble flicked his eyes toward Speedy. Speedy nudged Spam with her elbow.

All four shared the same thought:

This is not going to end well.

Key sighed, rolling his shoulders before standing. As he led the way, Nythra followed, her steps light but deliberate.

Yet before exiting, she subtly turned her head—just enough to lock eyes with Zyrenna.

Zyrenna smirked, actually giggling as if this entire thing was hilarious.

Nythra rolled her eyes and walked out after Key.

Eunoia, sitting beside Zyrenna, sighed. "Zyrenna…" she called out in that disappointed elder-sibling tone.

Zyrenna tilted her head innocently. "What? I didn't do anything."

"Sure you didn't.." Eunoia muttered, shaking her head.

"Gee-" Sketch muttered, still watching the door where Key and Nythra had left. "Didn't expect Nyth to be the jealous type."

"PSH, isn't it obvious?" Speedy scoffed with a wide smile. "We all know she's got a thing for Key."

"He left her dickmatized after all." Spam giggled, making the whole group burst into laughter.

"Wait—what?" Zyrenna blinked, looking genuinely confused.

Dheerash and Eunoia seemed just as lost.

Spam waved it off. "Oh, that's another funny story for another time. Anyway—why don't you tell us about yourself, Zyrenna?"

As everyone turned their attention to Zyrenna, Key and Nythra walked deeper into the shadows.

The moment they were alone, Key let out a long, measured breath.

Alright, time to play this smart.

He turned, taking a second to really look at Nythra—her arms were crossed, her weight shifted onto one hip, and her expression? A dangerous blend of irritation and frustration.

"What?" she demanded, her golden eyes narrowing.

Key hummed, stepping closer. Then, with an easy smirk, he tilted his head slightly.

"Oh, nothing… it's just—" His gaze swept over her, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You're looking mighty fine today, sweetheart."

Nythra blinked.

Her reaction was instant—her lips parted slightly, her fingers twitched—but she quickly turned her head, attempting to hide the warmth blooming on her cheeks.

"F-Flattery," she muttered, voice a bit unsteady. "Can only get you so far…"

Key smirked, but before he could press further—

"Who is Zyrenna, really?"

His smirk faded.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. Guess there was no dodging this.

"She's a warlo—"

"I know that part," Nythra cut in sharply. "What I want to know is—why does she call you 'Master'?" She narrowed her eyes. "You must've done… something with her while we were all out."

Key blinked.

That was not the direction he expected this to go.

And unfortunately, his momentary silence was misinterpreted.

Nythra's expression shattered.

Her eyes widened, her lips trembled just slightly, and she took a shaky breath. Her fingers clenched together like she was physically holding herself back.

"I-I…" She turned her head, voice barely above a whisper. "I knew it."

Her shoulders dropped. "S-Sorry for bothering you. I'll leave now."

She turned to walk away.

Key… chuckled.

And that made her snap her head around, face twisting in disbelief.

"You think this is a jo—!!"

She froze.

Because Key was already there.

Before she could finish her sentence, he grabbed her wrist, tugged her close, and—

—kissed her.

Her mind short-circuited.

Oh.

Her body responded before her thoughts could catch up—her arms wrapped around his neck, her eyes fluttered shut, and she leaned into the kiss.

Her pulse raced.

It was warm. Firm. Completely overpowering in the way that sent a thrill down her spine.

And she wanted more.

But before she could get lost in it, Key abruptly pulled back.

His demeanor shifted instantly.

Nythra, still dazed, blinked. "Key?"

His dark, glowing purple eyes were fixed on something unseen. His entire posture was alert, his expression unreadable.

"We're being watched." he said lowly.

Just like that, Nythra's mind snapped back into focus.

She let go, instantly on guard. "Where?"

Key didn't answer immediately. Instead, he grabbed her hand.

"Hold on.." he murmured.

And then—

They disappeared.