Kier stood by the tall window in his chamber, staring out at the flickering torches that lit up the village below. His hands were clasped behind his back, his jaw tight.
What had just happened?
He had never hesitated before. Never questioned a kill. And yet, the moment he raised his sword over that girl, something in him—something unexplainable—stopped him.
Why?
A flutter of wings broke the silence.
A black raven swooped down from the open archway, landing smoothly on his shoulder. The bird's gleaming eyes studied him, intelligent and knowing.
Kier didn't turn his head. "You saw it."
The raven tilted its head. Then, in a voice only Kier could hear, it spoke.
"I did."
Kier exhaled slowly. "Then tell me… what is she?"
The raven's claws tightened slightly on his shoulder. "That is the question, isn't it?"
The raven let out a low chuckle, the sound unnatural coming from a bird. "Strange, isn't it?" it mused. "The great Devourer, hesitating over a child."
Kier's eyes darkened. "It means nothing."
The raven hopped onto the edge of his cloak, wings twitching in amusement. "Are you sure? Maybe you're finally feeling something. Maybe—" its voice turned teasing— "you're in love."
Kier's expression hardened. "Never."
The bird cackled. "So certain."
"Love is not for someone like me," Kier said coldly, his gaze returning to the window. "It is a weakness. A chain. And I do not wear chains."
The raven tilted its head. "Then why spare her?"
Kier had no answer.
Kier's jaw tightened. He hated not knowing. Not understanding.
"This isn't right," he muttered. His fingers curled into fists at his sides. "I need to know more about her."
The raven flapped its wings, settling more comfortably. "Curious, aren't you?"
Kier ignored the teasing. His mind was racing. He had killed without question for years. He had ended countless lives without hesitation. And yet, when it came to that girl—something stopped him.
That was dangerous.
He turned sharply, his cloak billowing behind him. "Find out everything about her. I want to know why this happened."
The raven let out a knowing caw. "As you wish, Devourer." With that, it took off, disappearing into the night.
Kier exhaled slowly, his gaze dark.
This wasn't over.
A sharp knock echoed through the chamber.
Kier didn't turn. His gaze remained fixed on the dark horizon beyond the window. "Enter."
The heavy door creaked open, and a guard stepped inside, his posture tense. He hesitated before kneeling. "My lord…"
Kier's silence was suffocating. The guard swallowed hard and continued, his voice low. "You must kill the girl."
Kier's expression remained unreadable. "Must I?"
The guard kept his head bowed. "You know what will happen if you don't."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Kier finally turned, his piercing gaze locking onto the man. "And yet… I haven't."
The guard tensed. "With respect, my lord… this is dangerous. You know the laws. If you spare her—"
"Are you telling me what I already know?" Kier interrupted, his voice calm but laced with warning.
The guard's breath hitched. "No, my lord. I only…" He hesitated, then lowered his head even further. "Forgive me."
Kier studied him for a long moment, then turned away. "Leave."
The guard hesitated but knew better than to argue. With a deep bow, he stepped back and disappeared through the door.
Kier clenched his jaw.
He knew the consequences of his actions. But for the first time in his life… he didn't care.
Nana sat on the small cot, her stomach twisting with hunger. The room was cold, the air thick with silence. She had no idea what was going to happen to her, but right now, all she could think about was the aching emptiness in her belly.
Swallowing her fear, she turned toward the heavy wooden door. She knew there was a guard stationed outside.
"Hey," she called out hesitantly. No response.
She sighed and tried again. "I'm hungry."
A long silence followed. Then, finally, a gruff voice answered from the other side.
"You should be dead, not asking for food."
Nana's hands curled into fists. "Well, I'm not dead. And I'm still hungry."
The guard scoffed. "You think this is some kind of luxury? Prisoners don't make demands."
Nana scowled. "I didn't ask for a feast, just something to eat."
There was another long pause. Then, with an irritated grunt, the guard muttered, "I'll see what I can do."
Nana exhaled, leaning back against the wall. She didn't know if he'd actually bring food, but at least she had tried.
A while later, the door creaked open slightly, and a plate was shoved inside.
Nana blinked in surprise. She had expected stale bread or scraps, but instead, there was a decent portion of roasted meat, some fruit, and even a small piece of bread. Her stomach growled at the sight.
She picked up the plate carefully, glancing toward the door. "Thank you."
The guard outside scoffed. "Don't think this means anything."
She gave a small smile to herself as she took a bite. The food was warm, and for the first time since being taken, she felt a little less like a prisoner.