Chapter 37: Ready
The preparations were swift but filled with tension.
Kael, with his dark cloak flowing behind him, personally arranged the offering ritual. He purchased four sturdy goats from the villagers, paying in gold without bargaining. The villagers, fearful but desperate, avoided his gaze and whispered amongst themselves as he led the animals toward the lakeshore.
"These will suffice," Kael murmured, inspecting the animals with a practiced eye. "The serpent values sincerity. We must show respect while presenting strength."
Meanwhile, Captain Elara stood in front of Division 10, her sharp eyes sweeping across her knights as she selected the strike team.
"Ursa, Dred, Meth, Aloy—you're coming with me. The rest of you stay behind and guard the village," she commanded firmly.
Her gaze landed on Synoh last.
"Synoh," she said, her tone softening slightly. "You're in charge here while we're gone. If anything happens, protect these people… no matter what."
Synoh stood at attention and nodded. "Understood, Captain."
But as she turned to leave, Synoh stepped closer, hesitation flickering across his face. There was something he needed to say—something that Fel had told him, something that weighed on his heart.
"Elara," he said quietly.
She blinked, surprised by the sudden intimacy in his voice. "What is it, Synoh?"
He leaned in, his breath brushing against her ear as he whispered, "The serpent… it might be lonely."
Elara froze, her cheeks flushing crimson. The warmth of his closeness, paired with the unexpected words, made her heart race. Lonely?
She turned her head slightly, meeting his eyes in confusion and shock. "Lonely? What do you—"
"I… don't really know how to explain it," Synoh admitted, stepping back and scratching the back of his neck. His expression was awkward, but his eyes were serious. "It's just… something I feel."
For a moment, Elara stared at him, her chest tightening with an emotion she couldn't name. Then a sharp voice cut through the moment.
"Captain Elara," Kael called out from the shoreline, his deep voice carrying across the air. "Everything is ready. It's time."
Yuta stood beside his father, checking the ropes binding the goats and giving his friend a quick wave.
Elara snapped back into command mode, her blush quickly hidden beneath a stoic expression. She gave Synoh a final, lingering look.
"We'll talk about this later," she said firmly, though her voice carried a hint of warmth.
Then she turned sharply and marched toward Kael and the others.
"Let's move out!" she ordered.
As the group headed toward the misty lake, Synoh watched them go, an uneasy feeling gnawing at his gut. Fel's voice echoed in his mind, calm yet ominous.
> Fel: That serpent's heart is old and bitter. If Kael fails to reach it… the entire lake will become its graveyard.
Synoh clenched his fists, muttering under his breath.
"Captain… come back safe."