I waited for the walkway to clear, then got ready to leave when Jey said,
"I've never been rejected before... It's odd, but I don't hate it. I'll talk to you again."
He walked out ahead of me, turning back once to wave goodbye with a grin. I checked my phone—no new messages—and finally got up to leave as well.
Serco's POV
I noticed Tiren checking his phone for what had to be the twentieth time today. I'd reached the limit of my patience and flicked his forehead—harder than intended. His head snapped back and he tumbled to the floor, landing square on his ass.
"Pay attention," I snapped. "Next time I catch you slacking, I'll break your phone."
He grumbled and shoved it into his pocket.
Turning my attention to the Afarion I'd contracted with, I asked, "So your name is Zwein, and you're a C-ranked citizen?"
"Yes... And even though I've done my fair share of evil, I hate the king and the royal family. Nothing I've done compares to what he does—to anyone, even his own people."
"I don't need your loyalty. You're branded. I also don't care." I pointed at him, addressing my brothers. "This one's with us. Don't hurt him. I need him healthy and cooperative."
I walked over to the desk in his room, placing down a sandwich and a bottle of water I had picked up for him.
"Is the Prince waiting on Afaria?" I asked.
"No... He was banished by his father. The royal family's going through a lot of drama. I was actually sent here to test you and report back on his whereabouts."
There was something about him I almost liked.
"Then why is he here?"
"He... wanted to meet you. His counterpart." Zwein hesitated. "When we met, he talked about overthrowing the throne... and finding you. He asked for my help. That's all I know."
I sighed. "No, it's not. You know what he looks like."
Zwein bit his lip and looked away.
"I... would rather not say. If I tell you, you'll kill me. Then I'll have nothing left to offer."
I frowned. "I'm not... merciless."
Even after I said it, he stayed quiet.
"Fine. Just give me one identifying mark. Something unique to him."
"He... has a birthmark on his face. At least I think it's a birthmark. Three of them."
He went silent again, even when I activated his brand.
"Fine," I muttered. "That helps."
Wherever he is, he won't blend in. A face marked like that will stand out.
Spending this much time with my brothers was exhausting. But when I updated my father, he insisted I needed backup—and sent these useless assholes.
Finally alone, I checked my phone.
Akina had messaged me this morning.
Before I realized it, I was smiling.
Tiren, curious as ever, peeked over my shoulder.
"Wow... You actually like that human girl."
I slid my phone away and closed my eyes. "Give me space. Or I'll break your face instead of your phone." I tried to say it kindly, but... kindness isn't really my thing.
He backed off until there were five feet between us.
"Sorry. So... where do we begin searching first?"
"We'll split up. I don't care where you go—just don't search where I am. I'll check near the Academy."
Tiren groaned. "That's not fair. I have a friend there."
How is this idiot supposed to be of any help?
Akina's POV
I was surprised to see Serco waiting for me outside the school. He hadn't replied to my message earlier, so I assumed he'd be too busy to meet.
He looked more relaxed—probably because his brothers weren't with him.
"Hey!"
I jumped at the voice beside me. Of course, it was Jey.
"Hello..."
I glanced at Serco, but he was staring up at the sky like I didn't exist.
"I have a proposition," Jey said.
"What is it?"
"You're the only person who treated me normally since I transferred. So... I don't want to give up on being friends."
"Um... okay. But so there's no misunderstanding—I have a boyfriend."
"Irrelevant."
"...And I'd rather not be alone with you."
"Fine by me." He smiled. "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
He waved goodbye, and as soon as he walked away, it felt like a weight lifted.
Serco looked in my direction, smiled, and I rushed over to him.
"How was your day?" I asked as he pulled me into a tight hug.
"It was... tiring. I missed your presence."
My heart fluttered. I knew he could feel it—he let out a soft laugh.
"I... missed you too," I whispered, holding him back.
He kissed my forehead, then released me, taking my hand.
"That boy you were talking to—what's his name?"
So... he had noticed.
"Jeremy." We started walking together down the sidewalk.
"If he does anything odd, tell me."
I nodded with a smile.
"Also... have you ever wanted to kill your brother?"
"...What?! No!"
He sighed. "So that's not normal?"
I squeezed his hand gently. "Are you having family issues?"
"Not any new ones..."
Serco was with me, but his attention kept scanning the crowd—like he was searching for someone.
"Hey... if you don't want to talk about it, I understand. But..." I took a breath. "I want to be your safe place. I'm always here for you."
My heart was pounding again. His hand was warmer now too.
"Why... are you so damn cute?!"
His face contorted in frustration. He covered his mouth with his free hand and cleared his throat to say,
"It's... a long story. I'm not sure a human would understand."
"I want to understand! I'll learn more about your culture, your duties... I'll be someone you can depend on. I promise." My heart was racing, worried about how he might reply.
We arrived at my house.
Serco chuckled and leaned in to kiss me.
"I believe in you. We'll talk more later. For now... goodbye."