Truth

"The incantation eclipse... How do you know about it?" Thalia's voice was low, her gaze piercing, never leaving Meryt's.

"When I heard Miss Ananya found some hope in the prophecy, I had to see it for myself." Meryt's lips curved into a slight smirk. "So, I went to meet her."

Thalia didn't blink, her eyes still locked on Meryt's with a quiet intensity. I'm listening.

"I didn't sense anything unusual. No power from Kaia. A joke, really." Meryt's face hardened, her tone turning sharp. "Kaia won't save us from the prophecy, but—" She stopped, locking eyes with Thalia, her expression shifting into something darker. "But you? You're far more interesting than she is."

Thalia's eyebrow twitched, her fingers brushing the edge of her chin. "I see where this is going. You dug into that incident from twelve years ago, didn't you?" Her voice was cold, calculating. "I thought it was buried—no one else knew."

"That took work," Meryt muttered. "I had to sift through stones, pull memories from the past. It took two full days—nonstop. But still, the pieces didn't fit. Incomplete. So I came here... to ask you directly."

"Ask..." Thalia's lips barely parted.

"No matter how many questions I ask, you're a damn expert in lying. It's maddening." Meryt's eyes narrowed, voice tinged with admiration, even frustration. "I can't read your thoughts. You weave lies into your mind so well, they feel real. I've never met someone like you."

Thalia nodded once. "That's true."

Meryt let out a soft laugh. "A truth, huh? Whatever. You two sisters' little drama has nothing to do with the prophecy anyway." She pushed herself to her feet, turning toward the door. "I won't get anything from you, and Kaia... she doesn't know anything."

Thalia's movement was swift, blocking the door before Meryt could leave. "You didn't answer my question."

Meryt froze. Her gaze flickered, an unreadable shift in her expression. "Your question?"

Thalia crossed her arms, her voice steel. "Why do you want me dead?"

Meryt's eyes widened. A flicker of surprise crossed her face before her lips curled into a knowing grin. "So, you can read minds huh?"

Thalia's stare never wavered. "I don't control it. It happens when it does. I just... caught a glimpse of your plans."

Meryt chuckled, shaking her head. "I did plan it, yes. But looks like I don't need to anymore."

Thalia's heart skipped a beat, the air thickening as she leaned in. "Why not?"

Meryt's eyes darkened, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Because you're already at death's door."

***

"Oi, where the hell did you run off to bastard!?" Kyros's voice sliced through the rain, barely audible against the storm's fury. He found himself standing in an empty parking lot, only a few cars parked haphazardly under the pouring rain.

He muttered to himself, "Guess I should head out." He turned to leave.

Kiaan watched from behind one of the cars, his breath shallow, cold sweat dripping down his face. He slid to the ground, hugging his arms tightly around his chest. So cold. His mind raced—flashes of memories hit him like sharp jolts. His head throbbed, and he struggled to push himself to his feet.

Then, out of nowhere, someone grabbed him from behind and threw him against the bonnet of a car with a sickening thud.

What the hell? Kiaan's eyes snapped open, and he stared up at Kyros. Before he could process what happened, Kyros's hand shot out, grabbing him by the throat, pinning him against the car. His legs dangled uselessly, his torso twisted in an unnatural angle. Without hesitation, Kyros slammed his fist into Kiaan's cheek.

"Agh!" Kiaan choked as pain exploded through his face. Rainwater flooded his mouth. He tried to speak but was interrupted by another brutal punch.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Kyros's voice cracked with fury, but beneath it—was something else. Something broken. "Running off like that. Making everyone worry. You think you're the only one with problems?" Kyros's words were a roar, desperate.

Kiaan's breath hitched as Kyros's grip tightened around his throat. I'm going to die like this... His hand slapped weakly at Kyros's arm, struggling to break free.

Kyros's grip loosened just enough for him to fall on top of Kiaan, chest heaving. "You just want us to worry, don't you?" Kyros's voice was softer now, filled with something that made Kiaan's heart ache.

Kiaan's eyes softened. He reached up, brushing Kyros's wet hair from his face. "Kyros... I'm sorry." His words were almost a whisper.

But before he could register what happened, Kyros was shoved to the ground. Kiaan quickly climbed on top of him, straddling his waist, and started pounding his fists into Kyros's face. "Sorry? My ass!"

"Who the hell are you to lecture me?" Kiaan spat, each punch landing with increasing force. Kyros tried to block the blows, but Kiaan didn't stop. "You're the one who ran from your own damn problems and now you're acting like you have the right to tell me what to do?"

Kyros grinned, his lips curling in something like relief. "Looks like you're back to normal," he muttered, before shoving Kiaan off and pinning him down, his hands trapping Kiaan's against the cold ground.

"I know," Kyros admitted, his face suddenly serious. "I did the same thing. Ran away. But I was furious when you disappeared without a word."

Kiaan seethed, still trying to break free. "You're heavy. Get off!" he snapped, struggling beneath Kyros's weight.

"Hey!" Kyros growled, frustration lacing his voice. "At least listen to me, damn it!" But Kiaan kept squirming beneath him. This guy... Kyros sighed. "Share your problems, Asshole! Don't just run. I'll listen. We'll listen."

Kiaan's eyes narrowed, a humourless laugh escaping his lips. "You? Really? You're the type of guy who listens to other people's problems?"

Kyros turned away, his face unreadable. "You don't know me. You really don't. So stop assuming I won't listen." He stood up, offering his hand to Kiaan. "Let's get out of the rain first."

Kiaan paused, staring at Kyros, then nodded reluctantly. Together, they trudged toward a nearby hotel.

Kyros glanced at him as they entered the lobby. "Maybe we should book a room. Talk somewhere dry."

"Yeah, whatever." Kiaan nodded, the storm still raging both outside and inside him.

"And don't run off again." Kyros muttered turning away but it was clear to Kiaan.