Chapter 40: If I Asked You to Kill Me

Night in Arkveil wasn't just quiet — it was too quiet.

As if the city itself held its breath, knowing what Kai was about to do.

Inside a half-toppled cathedral at the center of the ruins, a single flame glowed inside an enchanted lantern. Shadows danced across cracked stone walls, old pews, and stained glass depictions of gods no one worshipped anymore.

Kai stood in the middle of it, arms folded, eyes cold.

One by one, the girls arrived.

Not as allies.

Not even as lovers.

But as suspects.

Seris arrived first. Still furious from their last encounter, her expression was blank, but her eyes were wild.

Yuri followed, shoulders squared, silent and unreadable.

Astra trailed behind, eyes low, blade strapped loosely to her back — but Kai noticed how her fingers kept twitching toward the hilt.