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Kai followed Maya through the stone halls of the Sea Temple. The feast had ended, and by now, night had fully fallen over the Island.
Flickering candlelight cast long shadows along the corridor walls, and the familiar sound of water streaming through the temple's channels echoed softly in the air.
He wanted to ask more about this "Inheritance Ceremony," but Maya had remained silent the entire way. She looked composed, but something in her silence hinted at hesitation or was it purpose?
Well… whatever this ceremony was, Kai didn't think Maya would endanger him.
Still, part of him couldn't help but reflect after being blessed by the Sea Guardian's soul, something had changed within him. His abilities weren't like anyone else's. Even Maya couldn't explain why.
Could it be because I'm not from this world?
The thought had crossed his mind more than once. But that was a secret only he carried.
Eventually, they stopped outside a large, ornate door.
Kai blinked.
'Wait… isn't this—'
He recognized it instantly.
It was Maya's private chamber.
'What the hell? Isn't this supposed to be a ritual? Why are we here?'
Still confused, he followed her in. The room, previously in shambles after the Rocket Team's attack, had been fully restored now pristine and elegant once more.
Two handmaidens awaited inside. As soon as Kai stepped in, they approached and gently helped him remove his jacket before he could protest.
Okay, this was starting to feel weird.
He turned toward Maya, who stood near the balcony, bathed in silver moonlight.
"…Maya, can you finally explain what this inheritance thing is?"
Maya looked up at the sky, then turned to face him. Her expression was calm, but something in her gaze felt solemn.
"The Sea Temple has always been led by a High Priestess," she said. "From its founding to the present day, the leadership has always passed from one woman to another. It's a sacred tradition."
Kai nodded. He'd heard something similar from Shu during the boat ride.
"But long ago," she continued, "one of my ancestors changed the course of that tradition. Instead of choosing a worthy successor, she passed the title down to her daughter. That began a line of inheritance that continues today. It's no longer just a title it's a bloodline."
Kai began to understand.
"And now… It's my turn."
Maya's voice softened, but she stood tall in the moonlight. "As the current High Priestess, I must continue that legacy. I need to pass on the bloodline and that means I must have a child."
Kai's eyes widened slightly.
Oh no.
"This... is the inheritance ceremony?" he asked, already feeling the trap closing in.
She nodded. "Since the beginning, the High Priestess has often chosen a Sea Guardian's Chosen to be the father. It strengthens the bond between temple and guardian… and ensures the child will inherit both strength and purpose."
Kai's brain short-circuited, 'So that's what this was all about.'
No ancient scrolls, no arcane chants just genetics and legacy. This was not in the brochure.
Maya took a step toward him, her voice quiet but direct. "You agreed to the ceremony earlier. Now that you know what it entails… will you still stand with me?"
Kai raised both hands apologetically. "Look… Maya, I didn't know what I was agreeing to. I thought it was… spiritual. Symbolic. Not this. And… I have a girlfriend."
Maya's eyes narrowed slightly. "Erika?"
Kai hesitated.
He wanted to say "no," that Erika was just a close friend. But their bond had changed. Something had grown between them over the past few weeks something unspoken but undeniable.
But what about Sabrina?
Kai's chest tightened.
Two women, both connected to him in different ways. One present. One distant, yet still in his heart.
He didn't respond. He didn't know how to.
"I understand," Maya said calmly. "You don't have to acknowledge it. But I've seen the way she looks at you. I know she cares for you deeply."
She approached again, gently placing her hand over his.
"I won't interfere with your goals, your dreams, your relationships. I don't expect you to stay. But for the sake of the Sea Temple, I ask this one thing: help me carry the legacy forward. I will raise the child alone. You owe me nothing no marriage, no commitment. Just this gift."
Kai sighed, deeply torn.
"This isn't just a favor," he said. "You're asking for something serious. A life. A future. I can't make that choice lightly."
"It's not a choice," Maya replied softly. "Not for me. It's a duty I was born into. And you're the only one I've chosen… because I respect you, because I admire you, and—" her voice faltered for a second, "—because I love you."
The words struck him like a wave.
Maya's eyes shimmered not with tears, but with unwavering conviction.
"I don't want to let this lifetime pass with regret," she whispered. "Please… don't say no."
Kai stood there, silent. His hand was still in hers.
Behind him, a world of obligations.
Before him, a moment that could change everything.
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