"I will win this," I tell him vehemently.

He doesn't comment about the dangers or my abilities anymore. He simply hugs me, whispering how much he loves me. Yet all too soon, his strength fades.

It starts with the flicker of his shadow, and soon, he becomes transparent.

"I'll be back," he whispers right before he disappears.

After he's gone, I lie there for minutes on end, thinking about our discussion and my next steps. As it gets dark out, I finally get up and head back to the suite.

When I open the door, I find the three of them still where I left them, the tension palpable in the room. Their stances are also telling. Ze is by the window, his hands at his back and a bored expression on his face. Cer and Thea are in the middle of the room, arguing. Or rather, Thea is chastising Cer while he pretends to listen to what she's saying.

They turn to look at me.

"Please don't tell me you've been arguing since I left," I say.

Thea's gaze snaps to Cer and then to Ze, suggesting she's not pleased with either of them.

"I have not been arguing with anyone. I've just been making my opinion known," she says as she gives her brother a harsh look. "And the fact that I do not like certain people."

The implication that she's referring to Ze is clear, but he doesn't bat an eye at it.

"I do not care about your opinion, Erithea," Ze comments with a shrug.

"No one asked you," she snaps at him. "Just because you're stronger than anyone doesn't mean you get to treat us like shit. I've put up with you for far too long, Ze."

"On the contrary," he notes, raising one finger up. His voice is serene but cold. Calculating. "I am not the one people have to put up with. Shall I remind you what your last stunt caused? You are here for a reason," he says, narrowing his eyes at her.

I blink in confusion.

"What is he talking about?" I ask her.

"It doesn't matter," she quickly answers, but she doesn't meet my eyes.

"You may think I am harsh with Erithea, but has she told you about her reputation back home?" Ze asks, casually taking a seat on the couch.

Thea's eyes widen, her lips compressed in a thin line.

"Ze..." she warns, her voice grave.

"It is not the moment for this, Ze," Cer finally intervenes.

"Why? Are you ashamed of your past, Erithea?" Ze raises a brow.

"You damn asshole," she grits her teeth.

"Cut it out, Ze. Leave her alone."

"And of course, Cerenios is always there to fight her battles for her." He rolls his eyes. "Are you not tired of cleaning up after your sister?"

"Ze, I said stop," Cer enunciates clearly, his entire countenance changing. "You are taking this too far."