After the training... Well, more accurately, after the incident with Ophis, they decided to end the training session for the day and drive back home.
On Azrael's car, Leo glanced back at the back seat, where Ophis was curled up, sleeping soundly on Raphael's lap. Raphael's hand gently stroked her hair.
Leo let out a slow, heavy sigh and turned his gaze to Azrael, who sat silent and focused at the wheel, guiding them through the almost dark haze.
"Is it really that serious?" Leo asked.
Azrael's hands tightened on the steering wheel. She nodded, not looking away from the road.
"You saw it yourself, Leo. That wasn't just fear… it was something much deeper." Her eyes flickered to the rearview mirror, catching the faint reflection of Ophis's fragile face, before shifting back to the road.
"Her terror is anchored so deep inside, it's almost like a curse."
