"Are you ready to consider my offer?"
Yuyan stared at him, silent for a moment. Then, a faint smirk curled at the corner of her lips. She stepped back, fingers brushing the cut on her face as it healed completely.
"So I wasn't wrong when I sensed a strong presence in my cave…" she said, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "You just acted weak, didn't you?"
Her sharp green eyes locked onto his—closed ones.
"Alright, let me see what you've got to offer… but remember If it's useless… if you waste my time… I won't let you two leave this cave alive."
Kriya extended his hand and slowly opened it, revealing a radiant crystal resting on his palm. It shimmered softly, pulsing with an inner glow. Yuyan's smirk deepened the moment her eyes landed on it. She stepped forward slightly, her gaze fixed.
"The last teardrop of a demon… containing its entire life's memories and powers," she muttered, almost to herself. "Still glowing… as bright as ever." She reached out to grab it, but before she could, Kriya's fingers snapped shut in an instant, pulling it back.
"It's from a fox demon," Yuyan's smile vanished. Her expression hardened as her eyes narrowed, sharp and cold, now glaring at him.
"I know it's of no use to humans just a mere ornament, since they can't access the power within, But for you, it holds value. And besides….Don't you like what shimmers?"
Yuyan let out a low laugh, repeating words mockingly as she stepped closer.
"Humans… using a demon's final tear as jewelry…which has trapped its power, its memories but they can't use it." She tilted her head, eyes glinting, "But me? I'm a fox demon. I can absorb its energy. And yes…" she looked around her shimmering walls, "It would look quite lovely decorating my cave." She extended her hand, eyes fixed on the crystal.
"I accept your offer. In return, I'll let you take one flower… and I'll let her go. Now hand it over."
Kriya didn't move. His hand remained closed. "You go first. After all… you're the fox."
Yuyan raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning. "So, you doubt me." She flipped her hair back.
"Yes, I'm a fox….cunning by nature… but also not one to break a promise….Unless, of course, the benefits change."
She raised her hand lazily, and in a swirl of mist, a single glowing Madarasa flower appeared in her palm. She offered it to him.
"Take it. Now go, and take her with you before I change my mind." Her smile faded slightly as she added under her breath A shadow passed over her eyes,
"It's true that crystal is worth far more than her…..but my desire doesn't calculate. It consumes."
Kriya took the flower, handed her the crystal, and without a word rushed toward Astra. Seeing no moment, he knelt beside her, gently scooping her up in his arms. Without hesitation, he began walking toward the exit of the cave, just as he was about to cross the edge of the light, Yuyan's voice echoed behind him.
"Human…"
He didn't stop.
"Your spiritual energy… it's far more superior than mine. You could've dodged that strike earlier without breaking a sweat."
A pause.
"Were you hiding it on purpose?" Kriya didn't answer and kept walking, Yuyan tilted her head, watching him disappear into the fading light. Her lips curled into a smirk.
"Adorable, adorable…hope we meet again some day." she muttered to herself, a glint in her eye.
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"Ryoma, we've walked deep into the forest… but still no trace of her. It's been two days since she went missing, and the day's already slipping into dusk. I'm afraid she might have—"
"If that's the case," Ryoma cut in, his voice sharp, "then you know exactly what I'll do. I won't hesitate." His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword as they moved along the endless path surrounded by dense trees.
Kaen followed quietly for a moment, then spoke with hesitation. "Ryoma… how about we use—"
"No." Ryoma stopped, turning back to face him. "We can't. That'll cause more trouble than it solves." He glanced at the sky, then back at Kaen. "Those two are coming today, right?"
Kaen nodded and pulled out a letter, showing it to him silently.
"Then we don't have time. We find her before they get here. Shion is searching outside the forest, we'll keep going until we find her."
Kaen looked around uneasily. "Isn't it strange, though? We haven't seen a single animal. Not even a demon." Ryoma didn't respond but Kaen's eyes widened the moment when he realised it.
There was a brief silence as they resumed walking and after they walked further, Kaen suddenly stopped in place, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area.
Ryoma paused beside him. "What is it?"
"I think… the power I borrowed from him it's still there. I can sense something." Kaen's voice sharpened. "Ryoma, hurry. She's nearby!"
He bolted forward, and Ryoma didn't waste a second, running after him. Their steps grew faster, the trees blurring past. And then Kaen skidded to a stop, frozen in place. Ryoma followed only to freeze at the sight before them.
"Astra…"
She lay on the grass, motionless. Her body looked pale, tinged with deep shades of purple across her skin.
They rushed to her side. Kaen crouched beside her, panic in his voice. "I knew it… she must've gotten stung." He pressed his palm against her forehead. "She's freezing…"
"Astra!" He patted her cheeks gently, trying to wake her.
Ryoma held her hand, rubbing warmth into it. His eyes landed on the side of her neck, he examined it closely,
"…The Queen Bee's sting," he muttered, loud enough for Kaen to hear.
Kaen looked at him, his brows knitting together. Just then, something caught his eye. He stood, rushing toward it. Kneeling, he picked it up carefully.
"Ryoma… this is…"
Ryoma nodded. No words needed. Kaen let out a slow breath. "The Madarasa flower."