"W-what?"

"If they insult you, they insult me."

"And if you are the one they insult?"

"I do not matter," he replies evenly.

"Why would you not matter?"

"Because I do not." He shrugs.

"You matter to me." I smile at him.

His eyes widen. He ponders my words for a moment.

"Then I matter only if I matter to you."

We stare at each other for moments on end, the music an insignificant pulsation in my ear as the beat of my heart—of our hearts—becomes deafening. So much so, I have trouble breathing, a myriad of ant-like creatures furrowing under my skin and making me infinitely restless.

"I quit the Game," I blurt out, afraid of this moment and his effect on me.

He doesn't seem surprised. If anything, his smile deepens as he nods in appreciation.

"You have made a fine decision."

"You don't want to know why?"

"Because you are a sensible female." He nods.

"I clearly remember you calling me senseless," I add drily.

"Nonsense," he scoffs. "You are merely young and inexperienced."

I raise a brow at him. I guess this is a step up from senseless and foolish.

"You are impossible." I laugh.

At that moment, the beat of the music changes, and the pairs of dancers switch partners. I glance around in confusion. Cer stops in front of us, his hand thrust forward as he invites me for a dance.

"No," Ze states vehemently, more or less shoving me behind him while glaring at Cer.

"It is just a dance, Commander," he says wryly.

"Not with her. Go find yourself your own female," he grits out, baring his teeth at him.

"Uhm, Ze... It's fine. It's just a dance."

"No," he repeats.

Cer has an amused expression on his face, silently laughing at Ze's feral one. As they are engaged in a glaring competition, I scan our surroundings, noticing that Wyn is dancing with a different man. Thea, too, has a partner for this dance.

Aha! So this is why Cer chose me to switch with. All his other choices are already taken.

"Ze, seriously. It's not a big deal."

"I said no, human," he mentions to me in a softer tone before turning his attention back to Cer, his voice becoming harsh and unyielding. "Stand down, Cerenios. This is an order."

Just as I think this exchange is pointless since Ze is never going to get it out of his head that I can be his friend and also be Cer's friend, too, both suddenly stop, their bodies tensing.

"Demons have been sighted at the South Gate," Ze mentions. "They have already overpowered the guards and are heading for the palace."

"Damn it," Cer curses.

"We need to take care of it. Now," Ze commands, to which Cer nods.

Turning to me, Ze appraises me with his gaze.