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Xen glanced—for what felt like a hundredth time—at the now-closed wound on Evan’s temple. “They won’t be safe where we’re going, and I believe you explicitly mentioned that you care about their well-being.”

“They wouldn’t be any safer alone at home,” Evan countered. “If we’re together, I can at least keep an eye on them. I can protect them.”

A muscle fluttered in Xen’s jaw, and Zeev subtly reared back. Evan, however, didn't waver, his unblinking gaze locked on Xen. Waiting for a sensible explanation.

After a beat of silence, Xen said, “I’ve already made myself clear on this matter. I do not care about them. Not in the slightest. And if it comes down to it, I won’t hesitate to choose your safety over theirs.”

His tone was so sincere while stating such cruel words that Evan didn’t know whether to be offended or flattered. He had no idea what lay ahead of them, but if Xen was trying to caution against the others tagging along, it had to be taken seriously.

After a moment of contemplation, Evan turned to the trio behind him. “Celie, Elysia...I think it would be better if you went home,”

They immediately began to protest, but he cut in sternly.

“Listen to me. I've been dealing with creatures of this kind for over a decade. And the only reason I've survived is because...Ifought alone. I didn’t have to worry about protecting anyone but myself. But I can't fight and protect you at the same time,” he turned to Elysia, tone softer. “I promise, when I come back home, I’ll bring your brother and friends with me. But if you insist on coming along...we might not get that chance.”

Elysia sniffled, wiping a fresh tear, then reluctantly nodded.

With a pat to her head, Evan turned to Delos. “Could I trouble you again to accompany them back to my house and stay with them until I return?”

Delos smiled. “No harm will come to them. You have my word.”

At last, Evan turned to his sister. “Here, take this,” he pressed the crystal blade into Celie's hand, then pressed his palm over hers, passing a surge of spiritual energy into her so she'll be able to wield it.

He reached for Celie’s free hand and Elysia’s, pressing them together before securing them with a spiritual binding.

“Until you make it home safely, don’t let go of each other. This spiritual energy will repel most creatures,” he said, still holding onto their joined hands. Then he pointed to the blade. “But just in case, if youhaveto fight, use that. It'll pierce through anything. Alive or dead. Do we understand?”

Both the girls nodded, wide-eyed.

After a moment of hesitation, Celie said, “Take care.”

Evan quirked a small smile, suppressing the urge to pat her head. “You too.”

Delos took Elysia’s free hand. “Okay, girls, let’s get you home, shall we? Don’t let go of my hand; you’ll be fine.”

He turned to Evan, and paused. Those crystal blue eyes seemed to contemplate something, before he leaned close to Evan, mouthing words for his ears only. “Remember, a sheep in disguise is always a pawn.”

Even after the trio had disappeared towards the exit of the restricted area, Evans stood still, staring at the space where the group once stood. Only when Xen’s fingers brushed against his knuckles did he break free of the trance and look up.

“Are you alright? Xen asked, Zeev standing not too far from him.

Evan nodded distractedly, Delos’s words swimming in his head. “I rarely ever am. Where are we going again?”

With a flick of his wrist, Xen transformed back into his red robes, flicking his long sleeves. “In the Giant’s Belly.”

17. One Condition

“Thewhat?”

Xen ignored Evan’s question and started walking towards the overgrown shrubbery beyond the abandoned residential area, tearing down the walls of thorns with a flick of his wrist.

Zeev remained behind, waiting for Evan to move. With an annoyed click of his tongue, Evan followed Xen. The Shadow shrunk to a hand and rested on Evan’s shoulder, snuggling close to his neck.

After treading the dense forest for a while, Zeev was the first to speak up. “If I may, sir, what is that in your pocket?”

Evan glanced back at him, confused, then shoved his hands into his pockets and realized the Nightshade’s earring and Aaron’s phone were gone. Probably Aaron’s doing.

Instead, in his left pocket, something soft and wiggly curled inside his palm.