The rhythmic clatter of hooves against dirt filled the air as Kaidan and Seris made their way back through the winding forest trail. The moon hung high in the sky, its pale light filtering through the canopy above and casting shifting shadows on the ground. Seris held the reins loosely, her posture relaxed as she leaned back slightly in her saddle. Beside her, Kaidan rode silently, his mismatched eyes fixed on the horizon, though his mind was far elsewhere.
Seris broke the silence, her voice playful yet edged with that ever-present air of control. "I have to admit, Kaidan," she said with a smirk, "that was something back there. The way you handled that man... Brutal. Efficient. Almost beautiful, in a way."
Kaidan didn't reply, his jaw tightening as the scene replayed in his mind—the crack of the man's neck, the lifeless body collapsing to the ground. His fists clenched at his sides. He didn't feel triumphant, didn't feel victorious. Instead, there was only a pit in his stomach that seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment.
Seris didn't miss the change in his demeanor. "Oh, come now," she continued, her tone softening slightly. "Don't brood over it. He was nothing but a stepping stone. You're going to face worse in that arena—stronger opponents, crueler ones. Think of it as... taking out the trash."
Kaidan finally spoke, his voice low and strained. "It's not that simple."
"Isn't it?" Seris raised an eyebrow, glancing at him sideways. "What's eating you? The fact that you killed him? Or the fact that it felt too easy?"
Kaidan didn't answer, his silence speaking volumes.
Seris let out a sigh, shaking her head. "You're overthinking it. Look at it this way—every person you take down, every fight you win, is a step closer to freedom. To power. To everything you want."
He bit his tongue, his mind racing. Everything I want? The thought made him laugh bitterly to himself. How can I want anything when all of it goes to her? My blood, my sweat, my victories—they're not mine. They're hers.
The forest began to thin, the sounds of the night becoming clearer as they approached a small town nestled in a valley. Lanterns lined the cobblestone streets, casting a warm, golden glow that contrasted sharply with Kaidan's cold thoughts. They rode through the town, past rows of quaint buildings, until they reached their destination—a large inn that towered over the surrounding structures.
Seris dismounted gracefully, tossing the reins to a stablehand without so much as a glance. Kaidan followed suit, his legs stiff from the ride but his mind still heavy with turmoil. He stared up at the inn, its exterior bustling with activity. People of all races and creeds came and went—humans, elves, dwarves, even a few beastkin. The air buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of tankards.
Kaidan's brows furrowed as he took it all in. He had never seen such a diverse crowd before. The inn seemed like its own little world, separate from the rigid social structures he was used to. For a moment, his curiosity almost pushed his darker thoughts aside.
"Surprised?" Seris asked, noticing his expression. "This place is a hub for travelers, merchants, and adventurers. You'll find all kinds here. It's not every day you see humans and elves sharing a drink with orcs and beastkin, is it?"
Kaidan shook his head. "No… it's not."
"Well," she said, stepping toward the entrance, "you'll be staying here for the night. I'll head back to the mansion—too many people here for my liking. Enjoy the ambiance while you can."
Kaidan's heart skipped a beat at her words. She was leaving him here? Alone? For the first time since she had taken him, she was letting him out of her immediate reach. His mind immediately began to race. This is it. This is my chance. I can escape tonight. There's open space, plenty of places to hide. If I act quickly enough…
But as if reading his thoughts, Seris turned back to him, a wry smile on her lips. "Oh, and Kaidan," she said, her tone suddenly sharp. "Don't get any ideas."
He froze, his eyes locking with hers.
"I've been doing this for a long time," she continued, her smile fading into something colder. "I can find you no matter where you go. You could run to the edge of the world, and I'd still track you down. And when I did..." She leaned in close, her violet eyes gleaming. "You'd wish you never tried."
Her words sent a chill down his spine, but he refused to let it show. He nodded stiffly, his jaw clenched.
"Good," she said, straightening up. She handed a small pouch of coins to the innkeeper, gesturing toward Kaidan. "This is for his room. Make sure he's taken care of."
The innkeeper nodded, bowing slightly. "Of course, Lady Seris."
With that, she turned and began to walk away, her figure disappearing into the night. Kaidan stood there for a moment, his thoughts a tangled mess. Part of him wanted to believe her threats were just bluffs, that she couldn't possibly track him if he truly vanished. But another part of him—one that had seen her ruthlessness firsthand—knew better.
He followed the innkeeper inside, his senses assaulted by the noise and smells of the bustling tavern. The scent of roasted meat and ale mingled with the faint tang of sweat and smoke. Patrons laughed and argued, their voices blending into a chaotic symphony.
Kaidan was shown to a modest room on the second floor. It was small but clean, with a single bed, a wooden chair, and a window that overlooked the busy street below. He sat on the edge of the bed, his mind churning.
Tonight is the night, he thought, staring out the window. I'll wait until the streets quiet down. Then I'll make my move.
But as he lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, Seris' voice echoed in his mind: You'd wish you never tried.
For the first time in a long while, doubt crept into Kaidan's heart. He clenched his fists, his mismatched eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.
One day, he thought, his resolve hardening. One day, I'll be free.