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Dark in the night, the Zaryth clan residence breathed in silence, as if a colossal serpent lay in hibernation. From afar its walls curved inward like coils, every courtyard and walkway guiding the eye toward the towering hall at its heart. Twin gates guarded the entrance, carved into the likeness of two fanged serpent heads—jaws parted, eyes of polished jade glimmering even in darkness. To pass through them was to step into the serpent's maw.
At the center stood the grand hall, raised upon black marble steps. Two enormous stone serpents entwined around its pillars, their heads arching skyward as though to challenge the heavens. Within, shadows danced across a ceiling mural of a cosmic serpent devouring stars, planets, and meteors. At the far end waited the clan leader's throne—an obsidian seat carved in the likeness of a coiled serpent, framed by braziers burning with eerie green fire.
Dorian entered quietly, bowing low to the man seated upon the throne. His earlier arrogance, bitterness, and rage were gone, replaced with restraint. The pale-skinned, middle-aged man wore black robes traced with flickering green runes of a serpent. Malrik Zaryth, Patriarch of the Zaryth clan, fixed his slit-green eyes on his son like a snake sizing its prey.
"Why are you here at this late hour?" his voice cut through the silence.
Still bowing, Dorian answered, "Father, I can't help but ask—when do we carry out the plan against the Veydrak and Kaevor clans?"
Malrik's eyes narrowed. "And who told you about this so-called plan? I am certain you were never invited to the clan meeting."
Dorian hesitated, trembling. "I… overheard some of the elders speaking by chance. That is how I knew." He lowered himself further, fearing his father might silence him for knowing something so vital.
Malrik's eyes flashed as though weighing a decision. "So—who have you told?"
Dorian dropped to his knees, voice raised in fear. "Father, I swear, I have told no one. Only you."
Malrik gave a disapproving look at his trembling son. "What a coward. And yet you dare ask me about the plan? Are you tired of living?" The hall fell into heavy silence as his words struck.
At last, Malrik shook his head. "Then tell me—why were you asking? What are your true intentions?"
"I have none," Dorian stammered. "I was only concerned that the plan was slowing down. If we give the other clans time to uncover it, the opportunity may be lost."
Malrik's gaze pierced him. "Is that truly all?"
"Yes, father," Dorian replied quickly. "That is all."
Malrik sneered. "If I did not know of your little obsession with the Kaevor girl, I might have believed you truly cared for the clan's plan. But you are not even bold enough to admit your greed. What a coward."
Dorian clenched his jaw, fists tight, but remained silent.
His father leaned back in the throne. "At least you are true to your desires. As for the plan—it will be executed soon, not far from now. At that time, you may take that girl, or whatever her name is, for yourself."
Dorian's eyes lit with excitement. Rising from his knees, he bowed deeply. "Thank you, father."
Malrik's look was indifferent. "If only you showed this much enthusiasm for your cultivation, your achievements would not pale against your brothers'. Now go. Do not disturb my thoughts again."
Dismissed with a casual wave, Dorian felt as though granted a pardon. He bowed once more and hurried out, thoughts burning: Oh Meyra, you will be mine soon. No matter how much you struggle. Just wait.
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The sun spread across the sky, brightening the world. Its rays slid through the thin curtains of Kaelvir's room, though for him they carried no warmth. His arms burned, his chest ached, and his body felt no longer his own. The punishment of a thousand push-ups had wrung him out through the night. Though he had nearly finished, the toll lingered in every muscle.
He barely had time to think about yesterday's reckless escape when pain forced a groan from his lips. Stretching, he muttered, "A thousand… Father must've wanted me dead this time."
He had been in this world for barely a month, and already his father had punished him twice. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
The door creaked. Fay slipped in with a bowl of water and a folded cloth. She set it down, watching him with a mix of pity and amusement.
"Dead? You're still talking. That means you'll survive. Barely, I guess. But after what you pulled yesterday… quite bold, Master, I'll give you that."
Kaelvir forced a chuckle, wincing as he moved. "Barely feels about right. But why do you sound happy to see me like this?"
Fay paused, then smirked. "Considering you snuck out while I was away, yes—I do feel happy."
Kaelvir smirked cunningly. "Don't tell me you were jealous because I didn't take you with me."
She only gave a sharp "hmph," dipping the cloth into the water before pressing it gently against his forehead. "Hold still. You're shaking like a leaf. If you'd just—"
"If I'd just given up, right?" Kaelvir cut in, smiling faintly. "I couldn't. Father said he'd know if I skipped it. I wasn't about to add another punishment on top of this one."
Fay met his gaze with reluctant understanding. The cool cloth soothed him, and for a moment he let his eyes close, breathing easier.
But then—footsteps echoed outside.
They both looked up as the door swung open. Kaelvir's siblings entered, filling the room not with sternness, but with warmth the courtyard rarely held.
Kaelvon nodded. "Still alive, little brother. That's something."
Ani set her basket down beside the bed, frowning at Kaelvon. "Elder brother, don't tease him. He looks half-dead."
Esuryon smirked. "Half is better than dead."
Kaelvon chuckled, adding, "You have my respect for daring to disobey Father and even trying to fool him."
Esuryon joined in with a laugh. "Indeed. Full respect, I say."
Kaelvir managed a tired laugh, shaking his head. "So the three of you came to watch me die in style?"
Ani sat beside him, brushing back his braids. "We came for two reasons. First—because Father punished you. And second—because the awakening ceremony is right around the corner."
Kaelvir's expression sobered. "…I know."
Kaelvon's tone pressed. "Then you know what's at stake. But remember—we're with you, no matter the outcome."
Esuryon leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "…You'd better succeed, though. Otherwise I'll have to start bragging that I'm the most talented in the family."
Kaelvir snorted weakly. "You've always bragged about that."
Laughter softened the tension. Even Fay smiled as she wrung the cloth again. Yet beneath the smiles lay a mix of hope and fear for Kaelvir.
Ani's voice grew firm, as if sheer will could protect him. "Brother… remember, this is your last awakening ceremony—not the end of your life. Don't be careless. Promise us."
Kaelvir met each of their gazes, his own steady. "I'll succeed. For you—all of you."
Even though he had nothing planned he had a strong feeling he would be successful.
Warmth lingered in the room, but only briefly. Silence followed, heavy and expectant.
Then suddenly—Kaelvir's hand clenched the sheets. A wave of dizziness rolled through him, his chest tightening as though bound by iron.
He gasped, clutching his chest. "Wh-what…?"
Fay rushed forward. "Young master? What's wrong?"
Kaelvon stepped sharply closer. "Poison? Did someone—"
"No!" Kaelvir shook his head violently, his body jerking out of control. "Not poison… I… I don't know—"
His arms trembled, heat flooding his face while his skin turned cold to the touch.
Ani gripped his arm, panicked. "You're burning up! Stay with us!"
Esuryon caught his shoulder. "Brother, breathe—just breathe!"
Kaelvir's voice broke, eyes wide with terror. "It's… not poison… it feels like—like my soul is being torn apart!"
The words froze them all. Even Fay, cloth slipping forgotten from her hand, stared in horror.
Kaelvir clutched his chest tighter, voice raw. "My body… it's… rejecting me…"
His body shuddered violently one last time. His siblings held him, helpless, their faces pale.
Kaelvir's vision blurred, his own words echoing inside his skull as though whispered by another.
The room fell silent, broken only by his ragged breaths—while a single, dreadful question burned in every heart:
What did it mean for Kaelvir's body to reject his very soul?
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