In the heart of the city, the tension was rising. Vezalia's heels clicked sharply against the stone as she took a slow step forward, her smile twisting with amusement.
The demon woman beside her moved with casual grace, lips curled in a half-smirk.
In front of them, Gaia flinched, fists clenched, her green aura flickering slightly.
"They won't wait... Astros," she growled, but the young man at her side gently blocked her path, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder.
"No need," he said simply.
Then, after a pause, he lifted his gaze, scanning the horizon.
His eyes narrowed, then softened into a calm smile.
"I'm a cautious man, Gaia. If I have to fight, I'd rather do it in one round... and go all out. But here... not now."
Gaia looked at him with disbelief.
"Then what do we do? Let them attack?"
"I didn't say they wouldn't be dealt with," Astros replied. He turned slightly, his smile still present. "I just said we won't be the one. She will."
