Kairos and Mysa walked side by side along the stone path that led to their home. The basket in Mysa's hands swayed slightly with each step. Kairos glanced at it with a curious look.
"So... what did you buy for supper?" he asked, eyes narrowing slightly at the cloth covering the contents.
"Nothing much," Mysa replied, opening the door. "Just some vegetables."
Kairos raised a brow. "No meat?"
"We already had meat for lunch," she reminded him with a light chuckle. "You know, Kairos, you really eat too much of it. One day, it'll catch up with your health."
"I know," he said with a shrug. "But I can't help it. I enjoy it more than anything else."
"Silly boy." Mysa gave him a playful nudge with her elbow. "Is Myra around?"
"Yeah. I think she's in her room. Want me to call her?"
Mysa waved her hand. "No need. She'll just be trouble. Honestly, I don't know what's wrong with that girl. She can't even cook."
Kairos smiled. "She's more into combat. That's her strength."
"True," Mysa agreed with a sigh. "I suppose not everyone is meant for the kitchen."
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Both of them paused and exchanged a quick glance.
"Who could that be?" Mysa murmured, already walking toward the door.
She opened it to find Dephne, one of her friends, standing there with her hands on a wheelchair. In the chair sat a young girl, fast asleep.
"Hi, Dephne," Mysa greeted, surprised. "What brings you here?"
Dephne raised an eyebrow, her tone playfully accusing. "Are you seriously asking me that, Chair Lady?"
At that, realization hit Mysa like a sudden breeze. Today was the society group's meeting—an event she had completely forgotten about.
"Oh no..." She placed a hand over her forehead. "I almost forgot. Please, come in."
"We don't have time," Dephne said quickly, peeking inside the house. "Is that Kairos?"
Kairos waved casually from where he stood.
Dephne's face lit up. She stepped into the house, leaving the wheelchair outside for a moment. "Wow, look at you! All grown up. When did you get back?"
"Two days ago," he answered with a small smile. "How have you been?"
"I've been good! And you?"
"I'd say I'm doing well."
Mysa stepped between them with a gentle reminder. "Dephne, didn't you say we're late for the meeting?"
"Oh, right!" Dephne turned back to the door. "Let's go, then."
She paused, looking back at Kairos with a fond smile. "It's nice seeing you again, dear."
"The feeling's mutual."
Mysa headed to the sink, washing her hands as she spoke. "Are we bringing Lizzy with us?"
"I was planning to, " Dephne replied. "But she fell asleep on the way. She might be too tired to travel more."
"I think it's better if she stays here," Mysa suggested. "Let her rest, and you can come get her once we return."
"You're probably right," Dephne said after a moment of thought.
"Where is Lizzy, by the way?" Kairos asked.
"Just outside, in the wheelchair."
"I'll bring her in and let her sleep in my room."
He stepped outside and found Lizzy still sleeping, her curly brown hair covering her face. She looked peaceful. Kairos smiled gently. There was something calming about her presence, even with everything she'd been through.
Lizzy, like Kairos, was a demi-demon. But unlike him, after she had undergone the Trial of Blood it left her mentally scarred. She had trouble speaking clearly, often confused dreams for reality. Dephne had been taking care of her ever since.
He carefully lifted her from the wheelchair and carried her inside.
"You're stronger now, huh?" Dephne teased, watching him with a knowing smile.
Kairos chuckled but said nothing. He carried Lizzy to his room and gently laid her on the bed. As he placed the blanket over her, he exhaled softly.
"She's heavier than I remember."
He closed the door behind him and returned to the kitchen.
"Hey, Kairos," Mysa called as she grabbed her bag. "I'll be back soon. Can you take care of the cooking while I'm gone?"
"Sure thing," he replied without hesitation.
Mysa and Dephne left shortly after, the sound of their footsteps fading down the path. Kairos picked up a knife and reached for a tomato. He began slicing it carefully, then grabbed an onion.
He squinted. "Better close my eyes for this one..."
Behind him, a familiar voice spoke up. "Are they gone?"
Kairos turned to see Myra standing in the doorway to the kitchen.
"Yeah. Why didn't you come greet Dephne?"
"I've been avoiding her," Myra said honestly. "There was something she asked me to do a while ago... I didn't do it. She would've scolded me."
"I see," Kairos replied, continuing to chop.
Myra stepped closer, watching him. Her expression turned serious.
"Kairos... are you really serious about what you asked me earlier?"
He didn't pause. "Yes. I am"
"You said you needed help escalating the tension between the princes," she said slowly. "How exactly do I do that?"
"You've got connections," Kairos said, finally setting down the knife. "Some of your trusted friends serve Prince Barathis or Prince Vorath. If we get their help, stirring conflict will be easier."
"So those are the ones you're targeting?"
"Yes. Their sin affinities—Greed and Wrath—make them easy to provoke."
Myra folded her arms. "That's it?"
Kairos hesitated for a brief moment, a thought lingering in his mind. "Should I tell her Kharon knows about my plan? He shook the thought away. No. That would only make her worry."
"That's all I need from you," he said aloud.
Myra sighed. "Alright. I'll help you. But only on one condition."
"I'm listening."
"If things start getting suspicious... or if it seems like the plan won't work—we stop. No questions. No pushing forward."
Kairos nodded, though a shadow passed behind his eyes. He knew the truth: there was no turning back, the pieces were already in motion.
"Alright," he said. "Thank you, Myra."
She looked at him seriously. "I'm only doing this to make sure you don't act recklessly and get yourself hurt."