The path ahead was quiet.
Too quiet.
Kael walked at the front, his pace steady, his presence unchanged—cold, focused, untouchable.
Behind him—
Riven.
Talking.
Of course.
"You know," Riven said casually, hands behind his head, "most people would consider what just happened… stressful."
No response.
"I mean, giant ancient thing rising from the earth, reality breaking, mysterious girl almost killing you—"
Kael didn't stop.
"—it's a lot."
Silence.
Riven sighed.
"You really make conversations difficult."
A few steps later—
"You didn't deny the 'almost killing you' part."
Kael finally spoke.
"I wasn't close to dying."
Riven grinned instantly.
"Ah, so you were paying attention."
Kael gave him a look.
Riven raised his hands.
"Relax. Just confirming you're still alive mentally."
They continued walking.
Then—
"She's dangerous," Kael said.
Riven blinked.
"…That's your type, right?"
Kael stopped.
Riven immediately stepped back.
"Okay—bad joke."
A pause.
"…Not completely wrong though."
Kael turned his gaze forward again.
"She's not like the others."
Riven's expression shifted—just slightly more serious.
"Because she remembers?"
"Yes."
Silence fell between them.
Then—
Riven smirked again.
"So… she's special."
Kael didn't answer.
"That explains the hesitation," Riven added.
Kael's steps slowed.
Not stopped.
But noticed.
Riven's grin widened.
"Oh wow. You really like her."
This time—
Kael didn't even look at him.
"You talk too much."
Riven shrugged.
"Someone has to. Otherwise it's just you and your… intense staring."
A faint pause.
Then—
"You should try smiling sometime," Riven continued. "Might help with the whole 'terrifying presence' thing."
Kael stopped again.
Slowly turned.
Riven froze.
"…That was a joke."
Kael looked at him for a long second.
Then—
"Walk."
Riven blinked.
"…That's it?"
Kael turned back.
"Yes."
Riven stood there for a moment.
Then laughed.
"Wow. I was ready to run."
He quickly caught up.
After a while, the air shifted again.
Subtle.
But clear.
Kael noticed first.
Then Riven.
"Something's off," Riven said quietly.
Kael nodded.
"They're watching."
Riven looked around.
Nothing visible.
Nothing moving.
Still—
He smiled.
"Good."
Kael glanced at him.
Riven's eyes sharpened.
"I was getting bored again."
A pause.
Then—
From the shadows ahead—
Movement.
Not natural.
Not slow.
Intentional.
Kael stopped.
Riven stepped beside him.
For the first time—
Completely serious.
"You think it's them?" Riven asked.
Kael's voice was calm.
"Yes."
Silence.
Then—
Riven smirked again.
"…Nice."
Kael gave him a brief look.
"What?" Riven shrugged.
"It's been a while since something tried to kill us together."
A very slight pause.
Then—
Kael spoke.
"Stay behind me."
Riven blinked.
Then laughed softly.
"You do remember who I am, right?"
Kael didn't respond.
That was the answer.
Riven sighed dramatically.
"Fine. But if I save you, I'm bringing this up later."
Kael stepped forward.
The shadows shifted.
The air tightened.
And for a brief moment—
Between silence…
And laughter…
Something else emerged.
Danger.
But this time—
They weren't facing it alone.
They were facing it—
Together.