"Now," Kai said, his voice dropping into something quieter and far more dangerous, "it's time we talked… little brother."
His gaze shifted past Marcos, settling on Eris.
"You," Kai said, pointing lazily. "You're the Blessed Elf, aren't you?"
Eris stiffened. "Y-Yes."
"Good." Kai nodded. "Can you heal him?" He gestured toward Marcos. "And your sisters. Yourself as well."
Eris hesitated only a moment before nodding. "Yes… I think I can."
"That's great," Kai said lightly. "Then do it."
He flicked his wrist.
A small black key flew through the air. Eris caught it instinctively.
"Unlock the chains," Kai said. "Heal yourselves."
With trembling hands, Eris unlocked the bindings restraining them. She quickly wrapped a spare cloth around Sara before placing her hands over her wounds. A soft, warm glow filled the air as healing magic spread.
"You're the Blessed Elf born after Aurelia's death, aren't you?" Kai asked casually. "The previous one."
"Yes," Eris replied quietly, fear evident in her voice.
Sara's wounds closed. Strength returned to her legs.
She rushed forward the moment she could move.
"Marcos!" she cried, throwing her arms around him.
He stiffened for a moment before holding her back. "Are you okay?"
"Y-Yes," Sara sobbed. "I'm okay…"
They held each other tightly, neither willing to let go.
Liza and Eris approached them once the healing was done.
"Sara," Liza said firmly, pulling her back just a little, "come here. Eris, heal Marcos."
Eris nodded and placed her hands on Marcos.
Liza's eyes shifted toward the throne—toward Kai.
"Who is he?" she asked quietly.
Marcos exhaled. "I'll explain. Just… give me a moment."
He stepped forward.
"Wait—" Eris began, but Marcos raised a hand, stopping her.
He walked up the obsidian steps toward the throne.
"Let's talk," Marcos said.
Kai tilted his head. "After you finish healing."
"What are you planning to do now?" Marcos asked.
Kai leaned back slightly. "First, I plan to talk about what you did—to me… and to our little brother."
"I did the right thing," Marcos replied coldly. "You were slaughtering millions for a foolish revenge."
Kai's smile vanished. "Oh? Have you forgotten what those people did to us?"
"You punished innocents for the sins of others."
"And I will do the same again," Kai said calmly. "And this time, you won't stop me."
Marcos clenched his fists. "Do you remember what I told you back then? In the cave?"
Kai went silent.
"…Yes."
"Then we do that plan. This time."
Kai stared at him. "And why should I trust you now?"
"If you don't," Marcos said quietly, "the gods will kill you for sure this time."
Silence stretched.
Finally, Kai sighed. "Fine."
Then his eyes shifted toward Sara.
"But the elf with the bow comes with us."
Marcos's expression hardened instantly. "Are you insane? I won't take her to a place like that."
"She'll be safe," Kai said flatly. "I guarantee it."
"Why involve her at all?"
Kai's voice turned cold. "Because if you betray me again… I'll kill her first."
The air trembled.
"If you touch her," Marcos said, murderous intent flooding his voice, "I will kill you."
Kai smiled. "Then don't betray me."
Marcos stared into Kai's eyes—then turned away.
He walked back to the sisters.
"What did you talk about?" Sara asked softly.
Marcos hesitated. Then—
"Sara… will you come with me to Karoka?"
"KAROKA?!" Liza shouted. "Have you lost your mind?!"
"I know it's dangerous, but—"
"If you want to die, go alone," Liza snapped. "You are NOT taking my sister to the Black Water Sea."
"I promise nothing will happen to her."
"No."
Sara stepped forward quietly.
"I'll go," she said.
Everyone froze.
She looked straight into Marcos's eyes. "I trust you."
Liza grabbed her arm. "Are you insane?! Karoka is a place where only corpses return!"
"I've thought about it," Sara replied calmly. "I trust him."
Liza stared at her for a long moment… then exhaled.
"Then I'm coming too."
"I will come as well," Eris said immediately.
"But—"
"No," Liza and Eris said together.
"If Sara goes, we all go," Liza said firmly.
Marcos looked at them, helpless. Then at Kai.
"…Fine."
He turned toward the throne.
"We're all going."
Kai smiled. "Good."
He rose from the throne.
"Then let's go."