Legend pressed a warm hand to your back, refusing to let go since the day before. It would have been smarter to separate, but he seemed determined to win you over.

“Ready to move on, sweetheart?”

You narrowed your eyes.

He smirked. “What about ‘dear heart’ or ‘angel’?”

“I’m far from an angel. And you’re not going to convince me to become immortal with a term of endearment.” You pulled away, but he caught your sash, drawing you close. It matched your cloudburst blue dress. Yesterday’s plain clothes hadn’t kept you unnoticed, so you’d opted for something bolder.

“You’re right, ‘little devil’ fits better.” He kept reeling you in, eyes full of laughter, as if the crumbling world didn’t matter.

“Am I interrupting?” Jacks drawled, emerging from behind the dry Fountain Throne. The cracked basin held traces of crimson, contrasting with his polished look—golden hair tied back, white suit pristine.

Legend moved in front of you.

Jacks frowned. “No threats—I keep my vows. I have a gift.”

“I don’t want anything from you,” you spat.

Jacks tugged at his cravat. “I know you hate me, but this might prove I’m not your enemy.” He held out a glowing scroll. “This is why you haven’t found the Immortal Library.”

“There’s no deal,” he added. “It’s an apology. You need this map to find the library; it leads to the place you desire most, even in other realms.”

You resisted the urge to grab it. “We don’t need your map.”

“But we’ll take it,” Legend said, snatching the scroll.

Jacks simply placed his hands in his pockets. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.” He met your gaze one last time, his sad eyes sincere, before walking away.

You knew he wanted you, but that wasn’t the same as loving you, and he’d already chosen his powers over you.