Tai narrowed his eyes. "Amal, shut up."
Amal folded her arms. "You're the king of snakes, not humans. Don't tell me what to do."
Sai exhaled sharply. "This is my fault."
"No, it's not," Tai countered.
Amal scoffed. "It is his fault."
Tai shook his head. "Nah, I've had enough of you."
Without warning, Tai's body shifted. He didn't turn into a snake—no, his true form was something else entirely. His legs elongated into a powerful tail, his upper body broadening with a regal, almost terrifying presence.
Amal instinctively grabbed her sword. "Bring it on. You think you scare me?"
Tai's body twisted again, fully transforming into his monstrous snake form. Amal stepped back before catching herself, gripping her sword tighter.
"Stop it!" Sai hissed. "They'll find us if we keep this up. Fighting like children won't help."
Amal glared at him. "Shut up! You're not my leader."
Shi finally stepped forward, his voice firm. "Tai, act like the king you are. Sai, you wield the flames—so lead. Amal, you're a warrior. Stop pointing fingers and start helping."
Tai clenched his jaw before nodding. "You're right. I should act like a king. I'll fix this." He turned away.
Sai stepped forward. "I'm coming with you."
Amal crossed her arms. "Fine. But where exactly are we going?"
Tai didn't hesitate. "To the king."
"To kill him?" Amal asked, her grip tightening on her sword.
"No," Tai said. "To make peace."
Sai nodded. "Right."
Amal scowled. "What do you mean, 'right'? It's not Tai's job to kill the king—it's ours. If he wants peace, fine. We'll handle the rest."
Shi joined them as they approached the palace. The king sat on his throne, his expression unreadable. Xei stood beside him, ever watchful.
Tai stepped forward. "Can we talk?"
The king's lips curled slightly. "Talk? About what?"
"Peace," Tai said.
The king let out a sharp laugh. "Peace? Why should I agree when you brought the very people who tried to kill me?"
Tai's face remained impassive. "I don't care what you do to them. I want peace."
Amal's fists clenched. "What?"
Tai turned slightly, his eyes cold. "I'm not your king. It's not my duty to protect you."
Sai stared at him for a long moment, then sighed. "Tai, do what you want."
The king's gaze hardened. "Xei, arrest the ones who tried to kill me."
Xei didn't hesitate. He bowed, then lunged forward.
Shi moved first, blocking him. Amal drew her sword, ready to fight.
Tai stood still.
Sai clapped his hands together. Flames roared to life, consuming the room.