Zephyr returned from training and opened the door to find Septh still seated at the table, completely absorbed in her writing.
"Oh. You're still here?" he said, surprised.
"I've been here all day. Sorry if I'm bothering you," Septh replied without looking up, her hand still moving across the paper.
"What are you writing?" Zephyr asked, leaning closer.
"I'll explain when I'm done."
Zephyr sighed. "You still won't tell me what you found out, huh? Whatever. I'm taking a bath before this sweat dries." He grabbed a towel and disappeared into the bathroom.
The room fell quiet.
A moment later, Ki dropped down onto the balcony and slipped inside. "Where's Zephyr?" he asked.
"Bath," Septh answered flatly, still facing the table.
Ki lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
"What do you know?" Septh asked.
Ki hesitated. "War preparations. Movements. Spies everywhere. Everyone's busy."
Septh stopped writing and finally turned toward him. "Then what happens to us?"
Ki exhaled slowly. "We escape."
Septh stood up at once. "How?"
"In a few days, chaos will break out. The king will try to have us kidnapped and blame a neighboring kingdom. Our memories will be erased, then he'll 'rescue' us to keep his image clean." Ki paused. "And during that time… an assassination will take place."
Septh's breath caught. "By who?"
"The same people helping us escape."
Silence fell.
"There's a condition," Septh said quietly.
Ki nodded. "They'll use the confusion of our escape to carry out their plan. In return, they'll give us shelter and protection."
"And you agreed to that?" Septh snapped. "You're letting them use us just like the king."
"We don't have a better option," Ki said. "Without their help, we won't last long."
Septh grabbed his collar, tears spilling down her face. "We've known each other for years. I know what you're thinking. You're planning to stay behind and distract them yourself."
Ki clenched his teeth. "I won't."
Septh pressed her forehead against his chest. "Please. Let's survive this together."
Ki rested his hand on her head. "I promise."
Unseen, Zephyr stood outside the door, having heard everything. He said nothing. Just like Ki told him to.
Later that night, Ki stepped into the bathhouse. Zephyr was already soaking in the water.
"How was your day?" Zephyr asked lazily.
"Normal," Ki said, slipping in beside him.
"You know I heard everything," Zephyr added.
"I figured."
"So what's the plan now?"
"It hasn't changed."
Zephyr stared at the rippling surface of the water. "So it comes to this."
Ki closed his eyes. "I have a request."
"If it's about me taking Septh and running while you stay behind, the answer is no," Zephyr cut in.
Ki stared at him. "Can you and Septh stop reading my mind?"
Zephyr chuckled. "You're terrible at hiding things."
"We're older now," Zephyr continued. "You don't have to carry everything alone."
Ki let out a quiet laugh. "And you also know I won't stop trying."
Zephyr smiled faintly. "Yeah. You're stubborn as ever."