Chapter 4: Warmth

Kurt finished packing both his and Viktor's belongings, ensuring he had only the essentials for the long journey ahead.

He slung his traveler's bag over his back and tucked Viktor's pack under his arm before making his way to the door.

Just as he reached for the handle, a voice stopped him.

"Wait."

He turned to see Adrian standing there, wearing only a long-sleeve shirt, her expression unreadable.

"I have to go," Kurt said, his voice steady. "Viktor needs me."

Before Adrian could respond, the door creaked open on its own.

Standing in the doorway was Vlad, wearing a pleasant smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Hello," Vlad said smoothly. "So this is where my wife has been all these days. Mind if we sit down for some tea?"

---

The silence in the room was suffocating.

Kurt and Vlad sat across from each other at the small wooden table, teacups in hand.

Adrian lingered by the doorway, tense, her fingers gripping the hem of her shirt.

Vlad took a slow sip of his tea before breaking the silence.

"Do you remember back in the day when we used to compete over Adrian? Back then, it was the first time we ever called each other rivals."

Kurt exhaled, his grip tightening around his cup. "Yes. We were complete opposites… but we had one thing in common." His gaze met Vlad's. "In the end, you won. Fair and square."

Vlad chuckled, shaking his head. "Did I now?" His smile faded. "Then tell me, old friend—why are you sleeping with my wife?"

Adrian's breath hitched. "Vlad, this has nothing to do with—"

"Silence, wench!" Vlad's voice cracked.

His hands trembled with rage as he slammed his cup down. "You swore vows to me on our wedding day, and you broke every single one. The whole damn village whispers about the two of you, and yet I defended you! I stood by you!" His eyes flicked over Adrian's form—wearing Kurt's clothes, standing protectively near him. "Look at you. You don't even hide it anymore."

The room was heavy with unspoken words, but then Vlad's voice softened.

"Tell me, Adrian. Do you even care about me? About Henry?"

Adrian lowered her gaze. "That's not fair," she whispered. "I love you… and I love Henry. But… I also regret not following my heart that day."

Vlad's laughter was bitter, hollow. "Regret?" His hands clenched into fists. "You know, Kurt… a part of me hoped that when you returned fourteen years ago, we could be friends again. I really did. Instead, all you did was tear my family apart."

He stood, flicking his fingers. Instantly, glowing crimson runes ignited across his arms, his chest, his back—explosive magic woven into his very being.

Kurt's eyes widened. He recognized the spell.

"Vlad, listen to me," Kurt said, rising slowly, palms raised in warning. "Think about what you're doing. You still have Henry. You still have a family—"

"I had all of that," Vlad murmured. "Before you came along."

Then he smiled. "In the end, my only purpose now… is to make sure you burn with me."

The spell activated.

A blinding explosion of fire consumed the room.