"If you lose, you walk away. You leave Seraphina's side, and you never look back."
Kairon wasn't a hot-headed teenager. He was an ancient entity, a Demigod of the deep. So why was he spewing threats like a jealous high school quarterback? It was beneath his station.
Orion didn't underestimate the Dreadfin Demigod. Kairon wasn't stupid. Which meant this tantrum was calculated.
A test, Orion realized. He wants to see what I'm made of. He wants to know if the new guy is all hype.
Beside him, Seraphina stayed silent. She didn't intervene. In fact, her eyes shimmered with anticipation. She wanted to see this too. Even Evander, usually the peacemaker, watched with keen interest.
This was a hazing ritual. A vibe check by the old guard.
"She belongs to me."
Orion didn't shout. He simply leaned down and kissed Seraphina on the forehead. It was a stamp of ownership, calm and absolute. She was with him. Unless she decided to leave, no one would take her.
