The moon hung high over Velmora, its glow spilling into Kael's chambers. He sat by the window, staring at the silver light bathing the city, his mind consumed by the mission ahead. Tomorrow night, the infiltration would begin. The weight of his responsibility pressed against his shoulders like an iron mantle. The strategy was set, but the execution had to be flawless.

  As he exhaled, lost in thought, a sudden knock echoed from his door. Kael's instincts flared. His room was supposed to be off-limits. His hand moved to the dagger at his side. The shadows in the dimly lit room made it hard to see as he stepped toward the door, muscles tensed.

  In one swift motion, he opened it—and attacked.

  A gasp.

  A moment later, Kael found himself shoved back with monstrous force, his entire body slammed onto the bed. A pair of legs straddled him, pinning him down like an executioner had just mounted his prey.

  "W-What the hell!?" Kael choked, heart pounding.

  The light from the hallway flickered, revealing his attacker's identity.

  "ROSE!?"

  Rose, completely drunk, blinked down at him, swaying slightly. A rosy flush painted her cheeks, and her usually sharp, commanding eyes were half-lidded with intoxication. "What... the hell are you doing in my room, huh?" she slurred, poking his forehead.

  Kael's brain short-circuited. HER room?!

  "This is MY room!" he barked, still struggling under her grip. But she was unnaturally strong—strong enough that he, a warrior trained to kill, couldn't move.

  "You lying little—hic!—rat," Rose muttered, shifting her weight slightly, making Kael's soul leave his body. "You really think you can trick me, huh? Ugh, your ego is so damn BIG, Kael."

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  Kael swallowed his pride so hard it nearly choked him.

  "P-Please, Madam President, spare my life," he grinned awkwardly, his voice full of forced submission. "I am but a humble servant—your most loyal dog. I would never dare defy you."

  Rose giggled drunkenly, her fingers suddenly threading through his hair. "Hey, Kael…" she whispered, her voice taking on a teasing, almost sultry tone. "What do you think of me?"

  Kael's spine locked up.

  Oh.

  OH SHIT.

  His brain screamed for a way out. If he answered wrong, he was dead. If he answered right, he was still dead. He broke into a nervous sweat. "W-Well… uh… y-you are… the greatest woman in the world?"

  He smiled like a pathetic, cornered animal.

  Rose narrowed her eyes. "Tch. You're just saying that."

  "No, no, no! I swear! I think you're the most amazing person to have ever lived!" he nodded aggressively, his survival instincts in overdrive.

  Rose snorted. "Liar. But you're funny." She suddenly leaned in, her breath brushing against his ear. "Wanna do something fun?"

  Kael's soul left his body a second time.

  "I HAVE TO GO," he blurted out, twisting his body to escape.

  Rose grabbed his leg mid-air and yanked him straight back down.

  His breath hitched. "No, wait, WAIT—"

  BAM.

  Flat on his back. Pinned. Again.

  Rose chuckled, resting her head lazily on his chest, her eyes fluttering shut. "…Mm, comfy."

  Kael stared at the ceiling, eyes devoid of life.

  This was it.

  This was how he was going to die.

  Then… soft snores.

  She had passed out.

  Kael lay there completely still, blinking in disbelief.

  He waited.

  Waited some more.

  Then, carefully, he moved his arms beneath her and scooped her up, carrying her to her own chambers. He tucked her in, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead.

  "What a damn mess…" he muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he stepped back.

  His heart was still hammering. That woman was insane.

  Kael sighed, rubbing his temples. "Enough of this nonsense. I need to be ready for tomorrow."

  With that, he turned on his heel and walked away.

  Tomorrow night, the real battle would begin.