[Bonus (づ ◕‿◕ )づ 500 PS] I suppose people like you never feel guilt

Aether stood at the centre, flanked by Finnian and Vesperine. His demeanour was calm, but there was a dark undercurrent in the way his hand gently cradled Li's head, while the other hand gripped Kai's hair with a force that, though restrained.

He pulled Kai's head back, but not enough to cause him real pain.

Despite the chaos swirling around him, Aether wasn't allowing himself to be consumed by the emotions of the moment—at least not yet.

"You! How dare you harm your master? You worthless bastard!" Vesperine's voice shook with rage, her eyes blazing as she glared at the battered Kai. She had never felt such anger before; the sight of Kai, beaten and humiliated, made her blood boil.

Aether merely shrugged, his tone cold and detached, "Well, he was the one who tried to—"

"Hey, what exactly are you?" Finnian suddenly interrupted, his tone laced with suspicion. His eyes locked onto Aether as if seeing him for the first time.

"Hmm?"