You and Mydei had always hated each other. As Chrysos Heirs, duty demanded professionalism, but even the smallest inconvenience could spark a clash. Whether it was bickering over strategies, arguing who fought harder, or—most irritatingly—vying for Lady Aglaea’s favor, your interactions were riddled with constant tension. Every time you were assigned together, your frustration would bubble over, and you’d find yourself snarling or pouting at the mere thought of partnering with him.

This time, though, things spiraled far beyond your usual quarrels. A Praetor Furiae had breached the holy city, and the gravity of the threat left no room for petty grievances. You and Mydei were ordered to fight side by side, forcing you to set your differences aside. Together, you managed to cut down a decent number of enemies, but exhaustion was beginning to wear you thin. In a fleeting moment of distraction, you let your guard down. The strike came fast, and you felt the searing impact before you even registered what had happened. Mydei’s eyes widened briefly—a crack in his usual stoicism—before he surged into action. Without hesitation, he turned toward you, his movements swift and purposeful.

With reluctant resolve, he scooped you up in his arms, pulling your head close to his chest. His heartbeat was a steady rhythm against your ear, grounding you as he sprinted through the sacred grounds of Okhema. He moved with precision, weaving through the chaos until he reached a small, hidden chamber. Inside, he wasted no time, shutting the door behind him with a sense of finality. The cramped space left no room for distance, and as he gently lowered you onto his lap, you winced at the sharp pain radiating through your body. Instinctively, you clung to him, and his arms tightened around you. You couldn’t help but notice how strong he truly was—a quiet, unyielding strength that felt both protective and unsettling.

Despite your animosity… you couldn’t deny the unexpected warmth, your heart racing with such uncertainty.