Road Trip Snacks Are Sacred

Kane slid into the passenger seat, struggling to process this revelation.

The leather seat seemed to absorb his indignation as Cyrus pulled away from the curb.

"Historical significance," Kane repeated, trying to keep his voice level. "Care to elaborate on that?"

"The Temple of Eternal Moonlight was built over a nexus point—a place where the barrier between realms thins. Legend says the chalice was used in rituals there before it disappeared." Cyrus navigated through the traffic with ease.

"And you're just mentioning this now because...?"

"Information has its proper time and place." Cyrus glanced at Kane.

"In my line of work, withholding information gets people killed."

"And in my world, revealing too much does the same." Cyrus's expression softened.

"The temple is a three-hour drive from the city. We should leave tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow?" Kane straightened. "Why not now?"

"The temple grounds are only accessible during specific lunar phases. Tomorrow night is the waxing crescent—our window of opportunity."

"The phase only lasts one night," Cyrus added, his voice carrying a rare note of urgency. "Miss it, and we wait another month."

Kane slumped back in his seat. "Great. So we have exactly one shot at this."

"Precisely. The nexus point activates when moonlight strikes the temple's central chamber at the correct angle."

"You sound like you have been there before," said Kane, studying Cyrus's profile as he drove.

The dragon's hands tightened on the steering wheel. For a moment, Kane thought he wouldn't answer.

"Yes," Cyrus finally said, his voice distant. "Once. Many centuries ago."

Something in his tone made Kane hesitate before pressing further. There was a heaviness there, a weight of memory that seemed to fill the car's interior.

"So, road trip tomorrow?" Kane leaned back in his seat, a mischievous smile playing at his lips.

"Should be fun. Three hours gives us plenty of time to bond. I'll bring snacks—what kind of road trip munchies do dragons prefer? Gold-dusted popcorn? Rare gemstone trail mix?"

Cyrus shot him a sideways glance that could have frozen fire.

"This is not a recreational outing, Ashwood."

"Everything's more successful with proper provisions," Kane countered.

"You should bring whatever makes you comfortable. Books? Music? Your favorite brooding cape?"

The corner of Cyrus's mouth twitched—almost imperceptibly—but Kane caught it.

"I don't brood," Cyrus said flatly. "I contemplate."

Kane snorted. "Sure, whatever you want to call it."

The sleek car purred through an intersection, drawing admiring glances from pedestrians.

Kane watched the city blur past, his mind already racing with preparations for tomorrow's journey.

"I should pack tonight," Kane mused. "Any special equipment I should bring? Holy water? Silver bullets? Snorkeling gear?"

"It's a temple, not an underwater crypt." Cyrus's tone was dry but lacking its usual edge.

"Bring practical clothing. The grounds are overgrown, and the temple itself has fallen into disrepair."

Kane nodded, making mental notes. "What about protection? If this chalice is as valuable as everyone says—"

"We won't be the only ones seeking it," Cyrus finished his thought. "Yes, I'm aware, and I'll handle the security concerns."

The implication hung between them—Cyrus didn't trust Kane to defend himself.

After their warehouse encounter, Kane couldn't entirely blame him, but the assumption still stung.

"I'll have you know I'm perfectly capable of defending myself."

"Evidence suggests otherwise." Cyrus's gaze flicked to where Kane's injuries had been.

"That was just one time." Kane straightened in his seat. "I'll have you know, I scored full marks on the BSA combat evaluation. Top of my class."

"Bureau training is..." Cyrus paused, searching for a diplomatic word, "adequate for standard threats."

"Adequate?" Kane's tail bristled beneath his new suit pants. "The BSA combat program is elite. We train against every classification of spirit."

"And yet." Cyrus left the sentence hanging as he smoothly changed lanes.

Kane crossed his arms. "Fine. Next time we're in trouble, I'll just stand back and let you handle everything with your ancient dragon powers while I file my nails."

A ghost of amusement crossed Cyrus's face.

"Your defensiveness is unnecessary. The temple presents unique challenges—challenges your Bureau hasn't encountered in generations."

"Try me."

"You'll find out soon enough," Cyrus replied cryptically, his gaze fixed on the road ahead.

The car slowed at a red light, and Kane spotted a sprawling supermarket across the intersection, its bright signs promising everything from fresh produce to household essentials.

"Hey, can we stop there? I need to grab some stuff for tomorrow."

Cyrus glanced at the storefront with barely concealed disdain.

"We have more than adequate supplies at the penthouse, and anything you want can be delivered within the hour."

"That's not the point." Kane leaned forward, already reaching for his seatbelt. "I want to pick things out myself."

"Is this truly necessary?"

"Absolutely." Kane nodded emphatically. "Road trip snacks are sacred. You can't just order them—you have to feel the vibe, see what calls to you."

Cyrus's sigh seemed to come from the depths of his ancient soul. "You're being ridiculous."

After a moment of silence that felt like a battle of wills, Cyrus reluctantly turned the wheel, guiding the luxury vehicle into the parking lot.

"Fifteen minutes," he stated firmly.

Kane grinned triumphantly. "Twenty, and you're coming in with me."

Cyrus reluctantly followed Kane through the automated doors.

His shoulders stiffened beneath his immaculate suit, seemingly physically pained by the fluorescent lighting and cheerful music.

"Just get what you need, and let's go," Cyrus muttered, eyeing a child who stared openly at him from a nearby checkout line.

"Yes, only the essentials," Kane agreed with suspicious promptness. Then he casually grabbed a shopping cart, the metal wheels squeaking as he pulled it free from the row.

Cyrus's eyes narrowed as Kane began pushing the cart with far too much enthusiasm.

"That contraption suggests otherwise."

"It's just easier this way," Kane replied innocently, steering toward the snack aisle.

"I promise I'll be quick."

The dragon's skeptical expression made it clear he didn't believe a word of it, but he followed nonetheless.