Chapter 1
A few weeks later.
Cro decided to take a walk in the woods to clear his head. A lot had happened in such a short time—the sword appearing out of nowhere, everyone coming together despite their differences, and the growing possibility that he’d be putting people in danger just by being around them. The weight of it all pressed down on his shoulders like a physical burden he couldn’t shake off. He’d never been the type to ask for help, never wanted to rely on anyone but himself, but lately, help kept showing up whether he wanted it or not. People seemed drawn to him, to his cause, and he wasn’t sure how to feel about that.
He walked for what felt like hours, letting his feet carry him deeper into the familiar forest paths he’d traveled since childhood. The canopy overhead filtered the afternoon sunlight into scattered golden beams that danced across the forest floor. Eventually, he found a small stream, its gentle gurgling a welcome respite from the chaos of his thoughts. He crouched down beside it and watched the water ripple past, mesmerized by its constant flow. Small fish darted between the smooth rocks below the surface, their silver scales catching the light as they moved in perfect synchronization, unburdened by the troubles that plagued him.
His eyes were fixed on the water, staring out at the gentle ripples that danced across the surface in the fading light. He was just thinking about simpler times when everything wasn’t so messed up, when life made sense and the weight of the world didn’t feel like it was crushing down on his shoulders. The memories washed over him like the waves lapping at the shore below—bittersweet and relentless.
Something caught him by surprise. He heard footsteps behind him, breaking through his reverie. They were light footsteps, barely audible against the moss-covered rocks and forest floor, and they were most likely female. He could hear the breathing too—it was shallow and measured, careful, as if the person approaching didn’t want to startle him but couldn’t help making their presence known. He didn’t need them to announce themselves because he knew exactly who it was. He’d recognize that particular rhythm anywhere.
“You don’t need to say it,” Cro said, his voice rough, sharp, and gruff, cutting through the quiet evening air. He didn’t turn around, didn’t break his gaze from the water. “Just thinking about the past. About how things used to be before everything went to shit.”
“Figured you’d come here,” she said, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her mouth as she let a chuckle escape from her. Her voice carried that familiar warmth he remembered from years ago.
She knelt down carefully beside him, her knees sinking slightly into the soft mud at the water’s edge. She cupped her hands together and dipped them into the cool, clear water, then splashed her face with it. Droplets ran down her cheeks and chin, catching the late afternoon sunlight.
“We used to come here as kids and play,” she added, her voice turning wistful and distant. “Remember? We’d spend entire summer days right here by this spot. You’d skip stones while I tried to catch minnows in that old jar we found.” She paused, gazing out across the water.
She knew he had a lot on his mind and wasn’t sure how she could help him. The weight of whatever he was carrying seemed almost visible, like a dark cloud hanging over his shoulders. Being here might help, but it also might hinder—her presence could be a comfort or just another thing for him to worry about. Guess she would just stick around and see how it played out.
He always went lone wolf when things got serious, and she hated it. She hated watching him retreat into himself, building walls that kept everyone at arm’s length. She understood it, though. It was how Cro protected the people he loved—by shouldering everything alone, by making sure no one else got hurt in the crossfire. It was noble and frustrating in equal measure.
So she just stayed by his side and said nothing, letting her quiet presence speak for itself. She’d be here, at least until he pushed her away. And he would push her away eventually—she knew that much. Whenever shit got serious, that’s what he did. He’d tell her to leave, to go somewhere safe, to let him handle it. Every single time. But until that moment came, she’d stand her ground and be the anchor he wouldn’t admit he needed.
“Feels like a lifetime ago now,” she said softly.
Cro and Kagami made their way back to town, their boots crunching against the dirt path as they navigated the winding streets. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cobblestones as they headed for the town square, where the large wooden quest board stood prominently near the fountain.
Cro stepped forward and scanned the parchments pinned to its weathered surface, Kagami reading over his shoulder. One posting caught his attention immediately—the Goblin Hollows, a network of caves and tunnels a few towns over, were being overrun by an increasingly aggressive goblin tribe. The mayor was offering triple the gold of most quests for someone brave enough to clear them out.
“This looks interesting,” Cro said, pulling the parchment from the board. The ink was still fresh—a new posting.
Kagami shook her head with concern. “Too dangerous, Cro,” she said firmly, crossing her arms. But then a familiar mischievous glint appeared in her eyes, and she smirked. “That’s why I’m coming with you,” she announced, her tone leaving no room for argument.
“Pain in my ass,” Cro muttered under his breath as he crumpled up the piece of parchment with deliberate aggression, the paper crinkling loudly in his calloused fingers. Then he shoved it deep into his pants pocket, as if burying it there would somehow make the words on it less true. He looked over at her with weary eyes and forced a smile onto his face. It wasn’t a real smile, not even close, but it was close enough that maybe she wouldn’t notice. Maybe she wouldn’t see through him like she always did. He felt her slender fingers wrap around his arm and grip it tightly, the way she used to do when they were kids running through the market streets and she didn’t want to lose sight of him in the crowds. Her piercing eyes gazed up at him through the curtain of her dark red bangs, studying his expression with that unnerving intensity she had.
“Not losing your stubborn ass,” she said with a soft giggle that somehow managed to cut through the heaviness of the moment.
Protecting her is going to get your ass killed. The demon’s voice slithered through Cro’s mind like smoke, cold and mocking. You’re playing hero for what? A fleeting moment of righteousness? Pathetic.
Now clearing out that goblin area might be fun. The demon’s tone shifted, becoming almost playful, eager even. I can practically smell them from here—their fear, their filthy little hovels. Get some blood on the blade. Let me taste their essence. It drinks blood, you know. Thirsts for it. Craves it like you crave air. And those goblins? They’ll squeal so sweetly when the steel bites into their flesh.
Just don’t get yourself killed, human. The voice turned serious again, almost threatening. I still have plans for you. Big plans. And I won’t have you throwing your pathetic mortal life away on some foolish crusade before I’m done with you. You’re mine now, whether you like it or not.
Now Cro wasn’t about to argue with the voices in his head right now—might be a tad bit dangerous and he didn’t want Kagami to be in some sort of danger. The last time he’d ignored their warnings, things had gone sideways fast, and he wasn’t eager to repeat that experience. He felt his stomach growl loudly, the sound echoing in the quiet street between them. Kagami looked at Cro and blinked out of confusion, her eyebrows knitting together as she tried to figure out what that noise was. He chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “Might’ve forgotten to eat,” he said, laughing nervously, realizing he couldn’t actually remember the last time he’d had a proper meal. Maybe yesterday morning? Or was it the day before? Time had a way of blurring together lately. He then watched Kagami’s confusion turn into concern, her expression shifting from puzzled to worried in an instant, and he knew there was a lecture coming. He could practically see the wheels turning in her head as she prepared to scold him about taking care of himself. “Has to be somewhere around here to eat,” Kagami said firmly as she let go of Cro’s arm, her tone leaving no room for argument. She glanced around the unfamiliar street, scanning the various storefronts and signs until her eyes landed on something promising. She then saw a place called Jolly’s—it looked like a tavern, with warm light spilling out from the windows and the faint sound of laughter and conversation drifting through the door. It seemed welcoming enough, and more importantly, it served food. She grabbed Cro’s sleeve and led him purposefully toward Jolly’s, determined to get some food into him before he collapsed.
