In the living room, Ghoth and Khafa were chatting with Amon and the owl, who responded through telepathy.
"So you're the shadow we saw back at the house of…" Khafa trailed off.
"Yes. That was me," Amon replied calmly while assisting Lzith as they played.
"And how did you even get a body?" Khafa asked, clearly curious. "And that face of yours… quite handsome. You'll make a lot of girls cry when you grow up."
Amon ignored the remark and continued guiding Lzith patiently.
Moments later, Dayesh approached and joined the conversation.
"Ah, Big Brother. Would you like to hear about Caelumn?" Ghoth asked.
"What news is there?"
"Nothing major. But there is one thing being kept from most people," Khafa said, lowering his voice slightly. "They noticed that the phoenix is no longer listed among the remaining transformation beasts. They are now searching for the child who obtained it. But you can rest assured, we said nothing about Lzith. We were just concerned when we heard the news."
Dayesh's expression grew serious.
"Do they know where you are staying now?"
"No, Big Brother. We told no one. We only said we might visit from time to time when we are not busy."
"Lzith must be watched carefully from now on," Dayesh said quietly, concern creeping into his voice. He already knew what happened to those who possessed transformations tied to creatures like the phoenix, tiger, and serpent.
"It's a good thing you moved here, Big Brother. You're far from the dangers of Caelumn."
"I am still worried for my child."
A faint sigh escaped him.
"And about Ihrad," Ghoth added, "she has already found a partner after hearing that you had 'passed away' during one of the missions."
"That is good. I hope the man she chose will remain by her side."
Ihrad had been one of Dayesh's classmates when they were around forty years old. He had long known of her feelings for him, but her rough temperament never appealed to him. Not even a trace of affection had formed on his end.
Despite his age and nature as a wolf shapeshifter, where instinct often pushed others toward desire, Dayesh had long disciplined himself to remain in control. He did not know how the two men before him handled their own cycles.
"We will go to the guild tomorrow and start taking missions again," Dayesh announced. "We need to earn a living if we want to eat properly every day."
The two nodded.
"I have a few instructions. Listen carefully."
They straightened.
"First. Never reveal your abilities to anyone. Second. If you are invited to join a group, refuse. Pretend you are weaker than you actually are. Avoid drawing attention if you want a quiet life. Third. You must contribute to the household expenses, from food to the wages of the people working here when we are out on missions."
"No problem, Big Brother," Khafa said. "You're still the same leader. Your rules haven't changed. You've only added those concerning the house."
"You're easy to follow, Big Brother," Ghoth added. "You've always wanted a quiet, simple life. No showing off. Just work."
"Good. I'm glad that's clear."
That night…
Once again, Sapphire sat outside alone, continuing her routine after making sure the children were asleep and her tasks were done.
"Can you give me one of those?" a voice suddenly said.
"Master!" Sapphire jumped slightly. "You startled me again."
"I couldn't sleep, so I came out for some air. Then I saw you here again."
"Wait a moment, Master," she said quickly. "Good thing I haven't lit this yet. Are you really sure you want to try it? What if Lzith smells it on you?"
"I'll bathe afterward."
Sapphire hesitated for a moment before preparing coffee and handing him a rolled tobacco stick.
"This is a bad habit to learn, Master," she said, referring to the cigarette she gave him.
"Can you just call me by my name?"
Sapphire paused, thinking.
"B-Big Brother… Dayesh? Is that okay?"
"Just Dayesh. It makes me sound old otherwise."
"But Khafa and the others call you Big Brother."
"That's different."
"Alright," Sapphire said, lighting her cigarette. "This is how you use it. Light the end, inhale slowly using your mouth, then take it away from your mouth to exhale the smoke."
Dayesh followed her instructions. He coughed on his first try.
Sapphire laughed lightly and patted his back.
"I told you, it's a bad habit."
He tried again, gradually getting used to it. After exhaling, he took a sip of coffee.
"Where did you learn this, Sapphire?"
She paused for a moment, thinking of an answer.
"From my father. I used to see him doing it when I was young. At first, I hated the smell. But as I grew older and tried it myself… I realized it helps clear the mind, even if it comes with consequences."
Dayesh found himself quietly staring at her.
Sapphire noticed.
"Big Brother… you might melt me with that stare."
"My apologies. I didn't realize."
"I'm just joking. Maybe there's something on my face you've been wanting to point out but won't say."
"There's nothing," Dayesh replied with a small laugh.
"There, I called you Big Brother."
"Just Dayesh."
"I still feel awkward. Big Brother is fine."
As they finished their coffee and cigarettes, Sapphire stood.
"We should head back inside. You should bathe first before sleeping. You smell like smoke, and Lzith sleeps beside you."
Dayesh nodded.
"And you?" he asked.
"I'll just bathe tomorrow morning. I wake up early anyway."
They went back inside, the quiet night lingering behind them.