Kai never thought silence could feel like a blade.
But Seris hadn't said a word in over an hour.
Not since Liora's reveal. Not since the word "kill" was spoken like a prophecy already fulfilled.
He didn't press her.
The campfire crackled.
Astra slept on her sword, muttering names of stars. Yuri was gone—again—out hunting or spying, no one could tell anymore. Nyx hadn't returned since she was last seen watching Kai from the rooftop.
And Seris just… sat.
Watching him.
Like she was trying to decide if she still knew him. Or if she even wanted to.
Meanwhile…
"Liora," Kai said, voice low, "you said Chapter Fifty was when I die. What chapter are we in now?"
She didn't look up from the scroll she was scribing.
"Forty-six. Give or take. Depending on how much filler the world insists on."
"Then we've got four chapters."