Night didn't feel safe anymore.
It felt… watched.
Aeris walked alone.
Not careless.
Not unaware.
But intentional.
"…If you're there," she said quietly, "stop hiding."
Silence answered.
But not for long.
A figure stepped out—
from the shadows.
Not rushed.
Not loud.
Certain.
Her body reacted instantly—
stepping back—
eyes sharp—
ready.
"…You're not him," she said.
The man smiled faintly.
"No."
A pause.
"But I know him."
That—
was worse.
🩸 THE FIRST ATTACK
It happened fast.
Too fast.
A hand reached—
a blade flashed—
Aeris moved—
barely avoiding it—
Her breath sharpened.
"…So this is how you play."
The man tilted his head.
"You were never meant to live this long."
Another strike—
closer—
more precise—
And then—
It stopped.
Mid-air.
Because someone caught his wrist.
Hard.
Unforgiving.
Kael.
His grip tightened.
Slowly.
Dangerously.
The man froze.
Not in fear.
In recognition.
"…You."
Kael didn't respond.
Didn't look at him.
His eyes—
were on Aeris.
Checking.
Confirming.
Then—
finally—
"Dreth vaelor…"
Literal meaning:
"You dared to touch what is mine."
Real meaning:
"You've crossed a line you won't survive."
The air changed.
Completely.
Kael released him—
just to grab him again—
this time—
by the throat.
Lifting him—
slightly—
effortless.
"…Who sent you?"
Silence.
The man smiled.
"You already know."
Wrong answer.
Because Kael's expression—
darkened.
"Nereth sol'kai."
Literal meaning:
"Then you no longer have use."
Real meaning:
"You're done. Completely."
A crack.
Not loud.
But final.
The man dropped.
Still.
Gone.
Silence returned.
Heavy.
Aeris stared.
Not shocked.
But—
aware.
"…You kill easily."
A pause.
Kael looked at her.
"Only when necessary."
And somehow—
that wasn't comforting.