The Royal Palace
Aria froze, her whole body trembling as she stared at the ashes that drifted where Cain once stood. Her voice cracked, barely above a whisper.
"I… I killed him."
Arian placed a firm hand on her shoulder, his expression calm but sharp.
"Aria, forget about him. He totally deserved what he got. And besides—knowing Cain, he won't die that easily. He's always been a pain in the neck."
They turned to walk away, but then—
A smooth, mocking voice slithered from behind them.
"Arian… you sure do know how to say words that hurt a lot."
Aria froze again, her heart hammering. Slowly, both she and Arian turned back—only to see Cain standing there as if nothing had happened. His body was unscathed, his skin steaming as if freshly forged from fire. His clothes, however, had been completely burned away.
He stood naked before them, utterly shameless.
Aria's cheeks flared crimson. She squeaked in panic, throwing both hands over her eyes.
