I Enrolled as the Villain

Inside the sealed chamber, Azmat leaned back, his eyes dark as iron, studying the chess table between them.

Cassian, ever sharper in the shadows, spoke first, lips curling into a faint smirk.

"So," he said, "about the engagement of Kael."

Azmat didn’t blink. "You’ve confirmed it’s still binding?"

Cassian gave a half-nod. "Technically. Though I doubt Kael remembers she exists."

⸻

After I left the Valery compound which, despite its name, was more of a self-contained city I found myself once again surprised that Valkcross tolerated such sovereignty within its own capital.

The outer gate sealed shut behind our vehicle, gilded with the Eye’s sigil.

For a moment, it felt like leaving a dream. Or a lie too well constructed.

As the car slipped onto the highway, I turned my gaze toward the window.

"Hm. How long until we reach the portal?" I asked.

Elira, answered with a grin. "About an hour. Assuming you don’t trigger an international incident before then."