The street was finally quiet.
Not peaceful—just quiet in that exhausted, aftermath way. Broken stone everywhere. Smoke drifting. People peeking from doorways like scared cats.
Kael didn't stay.
He turned his back on the battlefield, greatsword resting against his shoulder, boots crunching over rubble as he started walking away without a word.
Renn blinked. "Ah—wait!"
She jogged after him, waving awkwardly. "H-Hey! You're just gonna leave like that?!"
Behind them, Aiden took a step forward.
"Sir."
Kael stopped.
Didn't turn at first.
Aiden walked closer, then bowed. Deep. Proper.
"Thank you," Aiden said sincerely. "For saving my daughter."
Kael's jaw tightened.
"I don't save demons," He said flatly.
Then he kept walking.
Renn winced. "Oof… he's really bad at conversations."
She waved nervously at Aiden. "U-Um! Sorry about that! He's… like that."
Then she hurried after Kael again, half-running. "Hey! Kael! Wait up!"
Aiden watched them go for a moment.
Then—
