Kael's Interest

The cold air pierced their skin as they trudged behind the old man. The once-clear sky filled with gray clouds, and the first snowflakes drifted down slowly, swirling before touching the ground and melting away.

Duncan shivered, pulling his coat tighter. "Damn, it's still daytime, but this cold's like a mountain night."

"If you knew it'd be cold, why didn't you bring thicker clothes?" Erik snorted, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"I did, idiot! But it still bites!" Duncan pouted.

Sylvaine hugged her cloak, trembling. "I didn't think this village would be *this* freezing in the daytime."

Lirien, mostly silent, wrapped her arms around herself. "And we haven't eaten…" she mumbled weakly.

Shazmeen frowned, staring at her. "Swear, she's not normal. We're all dying from the cold, and she's just chilling like it's spring."

Duncan sighed dramatically. "Of course. Kael was born from morning frost, raised by northern winds, and probably drank ice cubes as a baby."

Kael glanced at them briefly before looking back at the path, ignoring their chatter.

Rainer smirked faintly. "Don't expect a reply. More than two sentences in an hour from him's a miracle."

Shazmeen nodded. "He's aloof, but I know he's listening."

Kael didn't react.

"Emotionless jerk…" Lirien muttered softly.

The old man knocked on a door, and moments later, a woman in her forties opened it. Her face was kind, and she wore a simple apron.

"Ah, Mr. Luthen! Can I help you?" she asked.

Mr. Luthen smiled. "These are travelers needing a place to stay. I recall your husband mentioning a spare room, so I thought they might crash here for a few days."

She looked them over, then smiled. "Of course! You must be freezing. Come in—I'll fix something warm for you."

Shazmeen's eyes sparkled. "SERIOUSLY?! HOT FOOD?!"

Lirien nearly cried in relief. "I swear, I'll remember this woman as my life's hero."

Duncan practically jumped. "I love kind people like this!"

Kael exhaled quietly. "Don't overdo it."

Without hesitation, they all piled into the house, greeted by the warmth of a crackling fireplace in the corner. The scent of burning wood and simmering soup filled the air.

Kael, carrying a rabbit from his hunt, handed it to the woman. "Excuse me, I brought this from the trip. Hope you can take it."

"Hohoho… a wild rabbit, huh? Alright, I'll cook it up for dinner together," she replied.

Erik flopped onto the wooden floor, satisfied. "Ahhh… warmth at last… I feel like frozen meat thawing out."

Lirien glanced at Kael, still standing near the door with no expression. "Not sitting, Kael?"

Kael looked at them briefly before walking to a corner and leaning against the wall.

"I don't need much warmth."

Duncan smirked mockingly. "Wow, so smug, ice man."

Sylvaine chuckled. "At least we can rest now. Maybe tonight we'll hunt something decent to eat."

Rainer nodded. "Yeah, I don't wanna burden this family too long."

Just then, the woman returned with a tray of steaming tea cups and some bread.

"Drink up. It'll warm you," she said.

They accepted the tea gratefully.

As they sipped the warm drink, Duncan grinned mischievously at Kael. "So, Kael… how's it feel helping us find a place? More human now?"

Kael glanced at him before replying flatly, "I just wanted it done fast."

Shazmeen laughed. "Come on, we all know you're secretly warming up to us."

Kael didn't respond, sipping his tea calmly.

Duncan leaned toward Rainer and Erik, whispering, "Bet in a few months, Kael's cracking jokes."

Rainer shook his head. "Doubt it. Kael joking? More impossible than snow in a desert."

Shazmeen grinned. "We'll see."

Outside, snow fell harder, dancing in the air before settling on the roof and ground. Mrs. Helga's simple wooden house was a perfect shield from the biting cold.

Inside, the rich aroma of spiced soup mixed with roasting meat. The fireplace added the warmth they craved after their long, grueling journey.

Duncan nearly pressed his face to the table, inhaling the tempting scent. "By the heavens, this is the best smell I've ever caught after—"

"After you almost starved last time?" Erik cut in, deadpan.

Duncan lifted his chin proudly. "Exactly! That was an experience, man. Made me value good food above all."

Mrs. Helga chuckled, setting plates down. "Well, I hope this meal's more than just an experience. Enough to fill you up before night."

Kael, still in his corner with his usual cold look, stepped closer when Mrs. Helga eyed him. "You too, kid. Don't just stand there!"

Duncan stifled a laugh. "Oh wow, she noticed too."

Kael glanced at Duncan before sitting silently.

Mrs. Helga scanned the group. "By the way, I don't really know who you all are. Mr. Luthen just said you're travelers needing a stop. So, who are you, really?"

Erik set his spoon down and introduced them. "I'm Erik. This is Duncan, the chatterbox, Lirien, the loner, Rainer, who's… well, like that," he said, glancing at Rainer, who ate without a care.

Rainer raised an eyebrow briefly before resuming.

Erik continued, "This is Sylvaine, the archer with sharp comments. And this is Shazmeen."

Mrs. Helga looked at Shazmeen, gently blowing on her soup. "Oh, you seem polite and soft."

Duncan snorted. "Ha, that's her 'nice' mode. When she's mad? Good luck dodging her verbal slaps."

Shazmeen looked up calmly. "I can get worse if you don't shut it."

Mrs. Helga burst out laughing. "Hahaha! I like this girl! Firm but graceful."

Then she turned to Kael. "And you, kid? You seem the quietest."

Before Kael could answer, Duncan jumped in eagerly. "Oh, he's not just quiet, ma'am. He's like an iceberg—cold, solid, and if you get too close too fast, you're sunk."

Erik nodded. "He's got a word limit. Three sentences an hour, max."

Sylvaine added, "And if he goes over, something serious is up."

Mrs. Helga eyed Kael curiously. "Is that true?"

Kael glanced at them before muttering, "They're exaggerating."

Duncan pointed. "See?! Two sentences in a minute! New record!"

Mrs. Helga laughed again. "Hahaha! I love you all! Eat up before it gets cold."

They dug into the meal eagerly. The flavorful soup warmed their near-frozen bodies, and the tender roast felt like a heavenly reward after their long trek.

Duncan closed his eyes, sighing contentedly. "This… is amazing…"

Lirien raised an eyebrow. "Don't say you're gonna cry."

Duncan cracked an eye open. "Don't underestimate good food's power, Lirien."

Shazmeen smiled faintly, eating quietly. Outside, the snow thickened, adding peace to the house.

Kael, mostly silent, finally said, "…It's good."

Everyone stopped and stared.

Duncan dropped his spoon dramatically. "KAEL PRAISED FOOD?! I need to log this in my personal history!"

Sylvaine held back a laugh. "You really need to cherish the small stuff, Duncan."

Erik eyed Kael suspiciously. "Wait, you serious? Or is this just hunger talking?"

Kael glanced at Erik, then resumed eating without a word.

Shazmeen giggled. "I think he really likes it."

Mrs. Helga smiled, pleased. "Well then, eat more. I won't let my guests leave hungry."

Duncan raised his hand. "I swear, I'm staying here forever."

Erik snorted. "If you don't mess it up, maybe Mrs. Helga will allow it."

Mrs. Helga laughed again. "You're all such a fun bunch. I'm glad to meet you."

Outside, snow kept falling, but inside the simple wooden house, warmth and laughter filled the space, creating an unforgettable moment.

---

Amid the warm chatter and laughter, Kael suddenly felt something—a telepathic call piercing his mind. Deep, urgent, intense. It was Ankara.

"Kael, it's me. Listen close. In a few days, gather as much strength as you can. Doesn't matter who—fighters or not. Find three people: Dojo, Kennan, and Ethan."

Kael's eyes narrowed. His already cold face grew colder. He sat still, but his mind raced far from the room.

"Who are they?" he asked sharply in his head.

"Just slaves and commoners. But hear me, Kael… in one possible future, they're the ones who kill the two siblings from that organization."

Kael exhaled slowly, his expression unchanged, but his eyes hinted at an approaching storm.

"Tch… I don't need them. I can handle it solo. Even if they come at me blind, I'll take them."

Ankara paused, then spoke more gravely. "That's not the issue, Kael… If you act now, Zonkoku will step in to kill you."

Kael's eyes tightened, but no doubt showed.

"Zonkoku… worse than I thought?" Memories of past battles flashed—lingering scars, endless fights, all child's play compared to this threat Ankara stressed.

"Listen, Kael!" Ankara's voice sharpened, firm. "The more allies you build, the better the future gets. It's the only way to face Zonkoku. That's all I know so far."

Kael clenched his fist. He hated relying on others. He'd always fought alone, proving he could conquer anything with his own power.

"No matter how many… build your strength, Kael. Zonkoku hasn't even shown up yet. That's not a good sign."

Kael huffed. "Tch… So what now?"

Ankara answered without hesitation. "Take them and leave. Three days at most. They all need to come with you this time."

Kael frowned, disbelief flickering. "Huh? Take them? Don't say something so stupid! You just asked me to watch them before."

Ankara sighed. "Yes, that's why I'm telling you to bring them. It's easier to protect them that way."

Kael fell silent. Ankara's words carried deeper weight, like something unsaid lingered. "It's not about your strength, Kael…" her voice dropped, heavier. "It's about something even you can't face alone."

Kael snorted, but not from frustration. Something in her tone made him rethink.

Across the table, Shazmeen watched Kael. She didn't hear the telepathy, but something was off. His unreadable face shifted slightly.

"What's on your mind, Kael?" she wondered silently. Something bugged him, and it piqued her curiosity.

---

Elsewhere, atop the highest crater overlooking Yeilheim village, Nythragael siblings Exile and Ensha stood. Ensha, the elder, stared down at the village.

"You almost died by his hand, right?" she asked about Exile's fight with Kael days ago.

Exile glanced at her sister. "Yeah, he's crazy strong. Never met anyone like him."

"I've got a plan for that. I need you here," Ensha said.

"What?"

Ensha turned to her with a wicked, meaningful smirk. "I'm gonna kidnap one of them and hold them hostage. Shazmeen'll come running to find them, right?"

"Kidnap one…?" Exile echoed in her mind, sensing more behind the plan.

Seeing her sister's hesitation, Ensha laughed lightly, a hint of danger beneath. "You know, Exile," she said, arms crossed, "strong people have one weakness… and it's not their strength."

Exile looked at her, probing. "What do you mean?"

Ensha's grin widened, a sly glint in her eyes. "Bonds. Attachment. No matter how strong someone is, if they've got something to protect… that's their downfall."

Exile went quiet. Ensha always had plans, but this felt different.

"You sure Shazmeen will come?" Exile asked.

Ensha chuckled, her voice mingling with the wind. "Not just her. Kael will move too."

Exile clenched her fists. That name again—Kael. The guy who nearly killed her days back. Frustration burned in her chest.

"Kael… he's too strong."

"That's why we control him another way," Ensha shot back. "We don't need to face him head-on, Exile. Just lure them where we want."

Exile hesitated. "We're talking Kael, Ensha. If this flops, we're dead."

"We're talking war, Exile," Ensha replied, patient but cold. "If you're scared to die, maybe you shouldn't be here."

Exile fell silent, knowing her sister was right. Facing Kael directly now was a loss. But if they could make him act rashly…

"Who's the target?" Exile asked, voice cold and firm.

Ensha smiled, satisfied. "We'll figure that out later. Someone valuable to them, that's for sure."

---

Back with Kael and the others, that night, as everyone slept soundly, Kael slipped out into the freezing air to be alone. Unbeknownst to him, Shazmeen was awake, eyes closed, pretending. Seeing him leave solo, she sat up.

"What the hell's this kid up to?!" she muttered, watching him step out into the winter night.

Shazmeen followed, sneaking after him, unaware Kael already knew she was on his tail. She aimed to spook him. "BOOM!!!"

Kael turned slightly, face still flat. "What's up?" he asked, no nonsense.

"What are you even made of? I tried scaring you—thought maybe a guy like you'd flinch," Shazmeen said.

"I knew you'd follow," Kael replied coolly, staring at the sky.

"WHAT?! I hid so well!" Shazmeen huffed cutely, annoyed.

"Yeah, I knew you weren't asleep back there. That's why I came out," Kael said.

Shazmeen gripped her coat tighter and stepped closer. "Hey," she said softly, almost lost in the wind.

Kael kept his flat vibe. "What? You still haven't answered me."

She crossed her arms, fighting the cold. "I should be asking you. Why're you out here alone at midnight?"

Kael didn't reply right away. His eyes scanned the sky, searching among the faint twinkling stars.

"Sometimes… I just need fresh air," he said finally.

Shazmeen scoffed. "In this winter? You call this fresh air?"

Kael stayed silent. She glanced at him—his blue hair swaying in the breeze, face cold and unreadable, like nothing could shake him. But he wasn't a statue. He was human. Shazmeen sat beside him.

"You're worried, aren't you?"

Kael flicked his eyes at her. "Worried?"

"Don't play dumb, Kael," she said sharply. "I know something's bugging you."

Kael huffed. "Know-it-all."

"But I'm not wrong, am I?" Shazmeen pressed, staring at his hard-to-read face.

Something troubled him, and she felt it. "You've got something to say, right?" she broke the silence.

"You're hiding something," she added, cutting through the quiet.

Kael looked at her for a moment. "Ankara contacted me earlier."

Shazmeen wasn't surprised—she'd noticed him zoning out at lunch. "Her again? What'd you talk about?"

Kael turned, locking his sharp eyes on her. That gaze quickened her pulse, but she hid it. "You're coming with me."

"Huh?!" Shazmeen nearly jumped. "What'd you say?! Damn it, Kael! What do you mean I'm with you?"

"Tch… I wasn't done," Kael grumbled, turning away, annoyed by her outburst.

Shazmeen blinked, realizing she'd yelled. She scratched her head, embarrassed. "S-sorry… I just… got shocked."

Kael sighed, then spoke flatter. "I want to take you and the others out of here."

Shazmeen paused, processing. "…Where?"

"Not sure yet, but I want you to meet Ankara first," Kael said, gazing at the lake.

Shazmeen studied his face, searching for emotion. As usual, he was cold, though a hint of doubt lingered in his voice.

She smiled faintly, yawning. "Oh, is that it…?"

Kael glanced at her. "If you're sleepy, sleep."

"I'm not sleepy," she insisted, though her eyes grew heavy.

She tried keeping the talk alive, but the cold air and soft water sounds lulled her.

"Whatever," Kael muttered.

"Kael…" Shazmeen said drowsily.

"I used to think… my life would always be like this. Moving, chased, fighting, losing."

Kael didn't respond, staring at the lake. But his relaxed posture told her he was listening.

"I hoped… there'd be a place I'd feel safe," she continued, voice fading. "But I realized it's not the place. It's… the people around me."

Kael shifted slightly, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

Shazmeen smiled weakly. "Honestly, I feel better with you, Kael."

Kael turned fully, but before he could speak, she added, "Even though you're cold and annoying."

Kael sighed. "You didn't need to add that."

Shazmeen giggled, but it faded. Her eyelids drooped, the cold night and his quiet warmth pulling her under.

"You know…" she whispered, "I always wanted…"

But before finishing, her head fell onto Kael's shoulder.

Kael looked at Shazmeen sleeping on him, her breathing steady, her face calmer than usual.

He muttered softly, gazing at the starry sky like it held answers.

"Huft… troublesome," he grumbled, though his hand gently tucked stray hairs from her face.

The air grew colder, pricking his skin. Glancing at Shazmeen in thin clothes, he knew she'd freeze if left out longer.

"You… always making me work," he said quietly, his fingers soft as he lifted her carefully into his arms.

"Tch… you don't even know I'm carrying you," he muttered, slipping off his coat to wrap around her.

She mumbled in her sleep but didn't wake. Kael held her close, keeping her warm in the night's chill.

His steps were steady as he walked back to the house, moonlight guiding the path.