Chapter 45: Storm within
The sky bled red as if mourning something ancient. The wind howled over the jagged cliffs, carrying with it the heavy scent of coming war. Cain stood at the edge of the plateau, his obsidian coat billowing like wings behind him. His eyes—those devil-scarred, ember-red eyes—scanned the horizon with the precision of a hunter, but his heart was anything but calm.
Behind him, Selene approached, her footsteps hesitant. She had seen Cain in countless battles, but something about this moment felt heavier... final.
"You didn't sleep," she said softly, coming to stand beside him.
Cain shook his head. "Couldn't. Not when I feel the ground itself holding its breath."
Selene placed a hand on his arm. "We'll face it together, Cain. You're not alone. Not anymore."
He turned, his gaze softening only for her. "You make me believe that. Even when the devil in me whispers otherwise."
Down at the base camp, Leo and Eren were preparing. Leo stood by the ancient table, pouring over an old scroll etched in demonic runes. Eren, on the other hand, was balancing a dagger on his forehead while chewing an apple.
"Do you ever take anything seriously?" Leo muttered, clearly annoyed.
"Sure I do," Eren said with a grin. "I seriously think I'm hungry again. Also, those runes? Boring. Let's fight something already."