Ozai still learned about Kahn's visit to their home — a maid had told him.
"I told you to stay away from that lowly commoner, yet you dared to bring him into the palace behind my back! Do you still not think you've disgraced our royal family enough?!"
At the dinner table, Ozai's harsh voice echoed through the hall. Zuko sat silently, head bowed, too afraid to speak.
Seeing his son's submissive demeanor, Ozai grew bored and turned his sharp gaze toward Iroh.
"That Iroh fellow… to actually bring such a person into the palace. Could it be that he's gone mad from losing his son?"
Zuko had endured his father's insults up to this point, but when Ozai began mocking Kahn and Iroh, he couldn't hold back.
"Kahn is not lowly! And Uncle Iroh is not mentally unsound! They're both good people!"
Bang!
"Shut up! You dare talk back to me?!"
Ozai's fist slammed down on the table, the force making the dishes rattle. His voice rose to a fierce roar.
"How dare you defy me? With that barren little mind of yours? With that disgraceful Firebending?! You weak, useless child — you don't even resemble my son!"
"Enough!"
Ursa slammed her chopsticks onto the table, her tone sharp with anger.
"How can you say such awful things?"
"Awful?" Ozai's expression shifted instantly. The fury melted from his face, replaced by a calm, unsettling smile.
"I'm merely educating him. Helping him understand right from wrong. If he continues like this, I'm only worried for him."
"There's nothing to worry about. Zuko is perfectly fine as he is," Ursa said firmly.
"Yes," Ozai replied with a chilling grin, "you've raised a fine child."
His tone was laced with venom as he continued slowly, looking her directly in the eye.
"His personality is just like yours — kind, gentle… everything like you, except he's nothing like me."
Without waiting for her response, Ozai waved dismissively at Zuko.
"In short, I don't want to hear another word about that lowly boy. Otherwise—"
"You'll never hear from him again," Ozai finished coldly.
Zuko opened his mouth, but no sound came. A wave of helplessness washed over him.
Azula, sitting to the side, kicked her legs idly as if none of it concerned her.
She watched the family tension unfold with a faint smirk, like it was entertainment.
But when she heard Ozai forbid any mention of Kahn, her brow furrowed slightly — then she giggled.
"Wait, Father."
Her voice drew everyone's attention.
Azula smiled sweetly. "I also met Zuzu's friend today. I think that guy is quite interesting."
If Zuko had said such a thing, Ozai would've erupted again. But toward Azula, his tone softened.
"Oh really? Interesting? That's quite a compliment from my daughter. You have something in mind?"
Azula's smile mirrored her father's. "Zuzu wants to make friends — isn't that a good thing? Why stop him? I also want to 'play' with him properly. Maybe our siblings can 'bond' like that too."
"Haha!"
Ozai burst out laughing, clearly pleased.
"Since that's the case, then of course I won't stop you. Just remember to entertain him well — and uphold the royal family's decorum."
He said nothing more about royal status. But the twisted satisfaction in his heart grew darker.
To him, Azula was perfect — clever, strong, cruel, and decisive. She was everything he wanted in an heir.
Zuko clenched his fists beneath the table, trembling. His lip quivered as he bit down hard, fighting tears.
Then, a pair of soft hands gently wrapped around his. He looked up — Ursa was watching him with deep concern. She shook her head slightly.
Dinner ended in heavy silence.
Afterward, Azula followed Ozai through the palace halls, skipping lightly beside him.
"Father," she said sweetly, "I'm getting tired of the maid serving me. Can I have a new one?"
Ozai smiled faintly. "Of course. Who do you want to replace her with?"
Azula tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… how about Xiaotao?"
Ozai's smile didn't waver. "Of course."
Xiaotao — the same maid who had reported to him earlier.
"Thank you, Father!" Azula beamed, then turned to leave, humming happily.
But as she rounded a corner, Zuko suddenly appeared, blocking her path.
Startled, she frowned. "Do your eyes grow on your butt, Zuzu? Watch where you're going."
Zuko's eyes were red from crying. He spoke through gritted teeth.
"Thank you for not letting Father drive Kahn away… but I won't let you bully him. If you do, I'll never forgive you."
He tried to sound fierce, but it came out trembling and soft.
Azula stared at him for a beat, then rolled her eyes. "Boring."
As she brushed past him, Zuko grabbed her arm. His voice was low but firm.
"I'm serious."
"Oh, really?" Azula teased, her lips curling into a smirk. "Then I look forward to your performance."
Zuko didn't respond. He simply turned and walked away.
Azula brushed off her sleeve where he had touched her and muttered, "Idiot."
Then she smiled coldly to herself. "Time to meet my new maid. Let's see how I should… surprise her."
From afar, Ursa watched them both leave, her expression clouded with sorrow.
She opened her mouth but couldn't speak — only sighed deeply.
This family was twisted from the start — bound by anger, ambition, and pain.
Now, no matter what, they were being pulled deeper down a dark, irreversible path.
And yet…
Ursa remembered the sight of Zuko, Azula, and Kahn together earlier that day.
Zuko trusted Kahn deeply — and even Azula had shown a different side around him.
For the first time in years, a faint glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes.
Though Ursa had always been strict with Azula, a mother's love could never truly fade.
Perhaps this boy — this outsider — might bring the smallest spark of change to her daughter's heart.
"Achoo!"
Kahn suddenly sneezed, blinking in confusion. "Hope I'm not catching a cold."
After washing the dishes, he strolled through the courtyard. The sky was heavy and gray, the wind rising.
Far off, thunder rumbled through the clouds, hinting at a coming storm.
He glanced up and smirked.
"Wind, rain, darkness… looks like the perfect night for murder."