Chapter IV

  The river Styx stretched like a molten ribbon through the land of Wrath, its surface reflecting the deep orange glow of the ever-burning sky. The water, dark and sluggish, carried whispers of lost souls, their voices dissolving into the breeze. Gnarled trees leaned over the banks, their twisted roots clawing into the earth as if desperate to escape the cursed ground. Thick foliage and low-hanging branches provided a perfect hiding spot, shielding the riverbank from the prying eyes of the city above.

  Here, the air was different—thick with tension, yet eerily peaceful. This was a place untouched by the endless fights and bloodshed of Wrath. A place where, just for a moment, one could breathe. And it was here that Cain had chosen to gather his friends.

  Goliath was already there, sitting on a fallen log, tossing small stones into the water. He had always been the first to arrive. He claimed it was because he liked the quiet, but Cain suspected it was just his way of getting a moment of peace before the chaos inevitably followed.

  Cain and Lilith arrived next. She walked slightly ahead of him, her tail flicking impatiently. As soon as she spotted Goliath, she smirked. “First as always. You don’t have anything better to do, huh?”

  Goliath grunted. “Maybe I just like the view.”

  Cain sat down on a nearby rock, watching the water ripple from where Goliath’s stones had landed. He exhaled, rubbing his temples. They were just waiting on Ezra now.

  And, of course, they waited.

  “What’s taking him so long?” Lilith muttered, crossing her arms.

  Goliath stretched out, completely unbothered. “You know Ezra. He probably got distracted stealing someone’s hat.”

  Cain smirked. “Or looking at himself in a shop window.”

  Just as he finished speaking, a rush of wings filled the air. Ezra swooped down from above, landing on a tree branch with a flourish. “Always so serious, Cain. Relax a little.”

  Lilith rolled her eyes. “You had the easiest job, and you’re still late.”

  Goliath let out a low chuckle. “Some things never change.”

  Cain ignored their bickering and stood up. This wasn’t just a casual meetup. He looked at each of them, his closest friends, and took a deep breath.

  “Look, this isn’t about some petty job. Someone sent me a letter. No name, no explanation—just a date and a place. And that place is the main square. In two days.”

  Ezra tilted his head, intrigued. “That sounds like a trap.”

  Lilith’s ears perked. “Or an opportunity.”

  Cain ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. “That’s the problem. I don’t know which.”

  Cain took a deep breath, looking at each of them in turn. “Here’s the plan. I’ll go to the square alone, acting like I don’t expect anything. Meanwhile, you three will be watching from different corners, ready to jump in if something goes wrong.”

  Ezra nodded, a grin spreading across his beak. “I like it. Gives me the perfect excuse to perch somewhere high and look mysterious.”

  Lilith flicked her tail. “We’ll need to be subtle. If this is a setup, they might be expecting backup.”

  Goliath cracked his knuckles. “Then we’ll just have to be faster than them.”

  Cain smirked. “Exactly. We have two days. Use them wisely.”

  The weight of the moment settled over them. There was no turning back now.

  One by one, they nodded and split off, each heading in their own direction. Cain remained by the river for a moment longer, watching the water shift in the fading sunlight.

  The orange sky reflected off the slow-moving currents, making the whole scene feel oddly peaceful—too peaceful for the thoughts racing in his head.

  Just as he exhaled, thinking he was finally alone, heavy footsteps sounded behind him.

  "Still here?" Goliath’s deep voice rumbled.

  Cain glanced back to see the towering figure of his friend standing with arms crossed.

  "How do you feel?" Goliath asked.

  Cain opened his mouth but hesitated. He wasn’t sure how to answer. How was he supposed to feel, knowing he might have only two days left?

  Goliath sighed and cracked his knuckles. "Hey, get up. Training always puts people in a better mood." He took a stance, ready to strike.

  Cain couldn’t help but smirk. "You just want an excuse to hit me."

  "Maybe."

  Cain stood up and stretched. "Alright, what’s the game?"

  "Simple." Goliath smirked. "Touch my back, you win."

  Cain’s smile faded slightly. He knew brute force wouldn’t get him anywhere—Goliath was built like a mountain. He had to think.

  As soon as Goliath moved, Cain was already dodging. He was fast, slipping past each attempt with ease. But it wouldn’t last forever—one solid hit from Goliath could break ribs. He had to be smarter, not faster.

  Then, an idea struck.

  Cain suddenly leaped, grabbing onto a low-hanging tree branch above them. Goliath’s eyes widened in surprise. "What the—"

  He looked up—but Cain wasn’t there.

  Before Goliath could react, Cain landed behind him, slapping his broad back with a loud clap.

  Goliath blinked. Then he exhaled a chuckle. "Clever."

  Cain grinned, wiping sweat from his forehead. "That was fun."

  They sat back down by the river, catching their breath as the sun dipped lower. The weight of Cain’s situation still lingered, but for a moment, it felt distant—just two friends enjoying a fight.

  After a while, Goliath stretched. "Come on, let’s grab a drink. You could use one."

  Cain nodded. "Yeah. Let’s go."

  And just like that, for the first time in a while, he didn’t feel so alone.

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  Goliath was already drunk, slurring his words as he leaned heavily against the bar.

  "Listen, Cain… y’know what’s funny? You… you got that look like you’re always thinkin’… but I betcha—" He hiccupped. "Betcha half the time, you ain’t thinkin’ ‘bout nothin’ at all."

  Cain sighed, shaking his head. "Alright, big guy, I think we’re done for the night."

  He stood up and grabbed Goliath’s arm, guiding him toward the door before he could start a fight with someone twice as small but just as eager to throw a punch. It took some effort—Goliath wasn’t exactly light—but eventually, Cain got him home and made sure he didn’t collapse in the doorway.

  As he walked back alone, he couldn't help but chuckle. "How can someone that big have such a weak head?"

  Finally reaching his apartment, Cain pushed the door open—only to pause. The place was quiet, dimly lit by the moonlight slipping through the window. And in his bed, curled up beneath the sheets, was Lilith.

  Cain sighed. "Does she not have a home?"

  Shaking his head, he dropped his coat and made his way to the couch. It wasn’t the first time he’d slept there, and it probably wouldn’t be the last.

  The moment he shut his eyes, sleep took him.

  Cain wakes up groggily, stretching on the uncomfortable couch. The apartment is quiet, eerily so. He notices right away—Lilith is gone again.

  Then his eyes land on the envelope on the table. For a second, he just stares at it, not wanting to touch it. But he already knows what it is. Tomorrow. The meeting.

  Reality sinks in. No more delaying. No more distractions. Tomorrow, everything changes.

  Cain stares at the envelope, feeling a weight settle in his chest. He exhales sharply, rubbing his temples. He needs advice, but from who?

  Goliath? Yeah, right. That guy’s probably still passed out, drooling on his floor. No way he’d have anything useful to say between a headache and his drunken ramblings.

  But there is someone else. Someone older. Wiser. Someone who’s survived more than Cain can imagine.

  Samson.

  With a determined nod, Cain grabs his coat. Time to visit the old lion in his cage.

  Cain moved quickly through the twisting alleys of Wrath, his coat pulled tight around him. The streets were quiet this morning, but the ever-present tension of the city still lingered in the air. He kept his head down, avoiding the occasional patrol, until he reached the towering walls of the castle.

  He had snuck in before, but that didn’t make it easy. Staying low, he moved along the outer edge, scanning the high stone walls. The cells had small, barred windows just above his head—his only chance to reach Samson.

  Cain took a deep breath and cupped his hands around his mouth. He kept his voice low but firm. "Samson!"

  For a moment, nothing. Then, a heavy hand emerged from one of the barred windows, followed by a deep chuckle. "Took you long enough, kid."

  Cain smirked despite himself. “Still alive, old man?”

  "For now." Samson shifted, and his massive silhouette filled the tiny window. "You didn’t come just to check on me, did you?"

  Cain hesitated, then leaned in. “I need advice.”

  That made Samson raise an eyebrow. "Now that’s a first."

  Cain sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Tomorrow’s the day. Someone left me this damn letter, and I have no idea if I’m walking into a trap or something bigger.” He exhaled sharply. “I feel like no matter what I do, I’ll regret it.”

  Samson let out a deep hum, resting his forearms against the window’s edge. “That’s because you will.”

  Cain looked up, confused. “What?”

  “You’re expecting some perfect choice where everything works out. That’s not how life is, kid.” Samson’s golden eyes were steady. “No matter what you choose, there’ll be something to regret. That’s just the way of things. You can hesitate forever, hoping for the perfect path, or you can take a step and deal with what comes.”

  Cain clenched his jaw. “So you’re saying I should just walk into it, blind?”

  “I’m saying that waiting for certainty will only make you weaker. Trust yourself.” Samson grinned slightly. “Besides, I doubt you’d let something as simple as death stop you.”

  Cain scoffed but couldn’t help a small smirk. “Yeah, well… I guess we’ll find out.”

  The two stood in silence for a moment before Cain pushed away from the wall. “Thanks, old man. Try not to get executed while I’m gone.”

  Samson laughed. “No promises.”

  Cain walked through the main square, the place where his fate would be decided tomorrow. The usual sounds of merchants haggling, people laughing, and children playing felt muted to him. His mind was elsewhere, calculating escape routes and potential dangers, replaying the meeting in his head over and over. Every time he came to a decision, another possibility came up, and he couldn’t escape the tension.

  His eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in every detail—the tall, imposing town hall with its clock tower, the fountain at the center with Princess Amon's statue standing as a reminder of power. He noticed the shadows of buildings lining the square, the hidden alleys where he could quickly disappear if needed.

  As he stood there, contemplating, something caught his eye—a figure in black, standing still near a shop corner. The figure was tall, cloaked in shadows, and appeared almost like a ghost among the bustling crowd. Cain’s instincts kicked in. He squinted, trying to get a better look, but as soon as his eyes met the figure’s, the person vanished. Not in a slow walk, but a quick leap into the crowd, disappearing so effortlessly that Cain almost thought he imagined it.

  His heart raced. What was that?

  Cain snapped into action, pushing through the crowd and chasing after the figure. His breath quickened, his steps louder against the cobblestones, but by the time he reached the spot where he last saw him, there was nothing. The crowd bustled as if nothing happened. No one seemed to notice the black-clad figure that had just disappeared.

  It felt as if the city had swallowed him whole.

  His mind reeled. For weeks—hell, maybe months—he’d felt like someone was always watching him, but now it was undeniable. Someone had been tracking his every move, learning his patterns, perhaps even waiting for tomorrow. Was this a sign? A warning? Or was it just a game?

  Cain had no answers, only questions. Paranoia gnawed at his thoughts. His next step felt uncertain, and the feeling of being observed only deepened his unease. He needed to clear his head.

  With a heavy sigh, he turned and walked toward the edge of the city. There was a spot by Styx, a quiet place where he had always been able to think, away from prying eyes. The river’s flow had a way of calming him. Maybe, just maybe, he could find a moment of peace before the chaos of tomorrow arrived.

  Cain’s steps slowed as he approached the familiar spot. The trees were already casting long shadows as the sun dipped lower in the sky. The air was cool, and the water’s gentle ripples seemed to match the rest of the world’s quietness. It was the calm before the storm, and he couldn’t help but appreciate it.

  Sitting on a low rock near the river, Cain leaned back, allowing the peace to settle in his mind. For the first time that day, he let his thoughts drift elsewhere—just for a moment, he allowed himself to forget about the black figure, the looming threat, and the ticking clock that would soon bring him face to face with whatever awaited him.

  He had immersed himself in nature so deeply that he hadn’t even realized when he drifted off. When he woke up, he was staring at the stars. It was cold. With a shiver, he decided to head home.

  The city was so peaceful at night. Darkness covered the streets, but the great moon of Wrath bathed the buildings in just enough silver light to guide his way. Everything felt still, almost as if the city itself was holding its breath.

  When he arrived, no one was home.

  Why did I hope to see her? he wondered, lying down on the cold bed.

  The morning greeted Cain with warmth and a soft, unfamiliar scent. It took him a moment to realize—Lilith was lying next to him. She must have snuck in during the night.

  His body stiffened as the realization hit him. The girl of his dreams was resting on top of him, her steady breath tickling his skin. His awkward movements must have disturbed her because she stirred, letting out a sleepy sigh.

  "Good morning, sweetie," she murmured, brushing her fingers gently across his face.

  "What are you doing here?" Cain asked, his voice still thick with drowsiness.

  "I was sleeping… until someone woke me up," she replied, yawning.

  "But why here?"

  She smirked. "You don’t like it?"

  "That’s not what I sa—"

  "Then why do you ask so many questions?" she interrupted playfully.

  Cain sighed. "Because I care, and I worry. So tell me… why do you sleep here?"

  Her teasing expression faded. "Because I have nowhere else to go."

  Cain frowned. "What do you mean?"

  "Ever since my grandma died, I couldn’t afford the rent on my own. About a week ago, they took our flat as compensation for my debt."

  "You should have told me sooner," Cain muttered, his arms wrapping around her tightly. "I’ll always be here for you."

  She melted into his embrace, and for a moment, they could have stayed like that forever. But reality called. Today was the day everything would change.