Kaius and Raya inclined their heads in a formal bow before stepping away, leaving behind the ring, the gathered elders, and the silent weight of whatever had just transpired.
They walked in unison, their footsteps quiet against the worn stone pathways, the tension lingering between them like an unseen force.
Only when they were well out of earshot did Raya finally break the silence, her voice low but edged with something close to amusement.
"Is it just me, or did Elder Ramirez just try to play dirty with us?"
Kaius let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "I have no idea," he admitted. "But I have a feeling you just saved us from walking straight into a trap or whatever the hell he wanted."
Raya glanced at him, her expression thoughtful. "You saw the way he looked at us," she murmured
