December 31st
I found myself back in that same dim cave, the chill seeping through my coat as I picked my way along the rocky path. It felt awkward as hell showing up like this—asking for help after I'd shot down their offer just weeks ago. But with the clock ticking on Raphael's mark, pride could wait.
As I got closer, my senses sharpened, picking up the familiar auras of Kairos and Thorne... and one more, unfamiliar.
"If it isn't Tigris herself," Thorne said, leaning against the cave wall with that smirk of his. "What brings you back so soon?"
I ignored him and turned straight to Kairos, who's gaze was fixed on me from his chair. "The offer... is it still on the table?"
"You're forgetting something," he replied evenly, not moving a muscle.
I rolled my eyes. "...Boss."
He nodded once. "Have you decided to kill him?"
"It doesn't matter what I end up doing with him," I said, keeping my tone firm. "Now, will you help me or not?"
"You know what I want, right?" he pressed.
