Next Morning
The pale morning sun slipped through the window blinds, slanting across Kain's bare chest as he stirred awake.
The bed was empty.
No Ruby.
No Lyla.
For half a second, Kain almost panicked, until the soft buzzing of his phone on the nightstand caught his attention.
He blinked blearily at the screen lighting up:
[ Message from Ruby & Lyla ]
Thanks for last night, sleepyhead. We had to leave early~
A reward kiss delivered while you slept!
PS: Don't get too lonely without us~ <3
Kain smirked lazily.
He brought a hand to his lips on instinct, feeling the faintest ghost of their kisses.
"Little devils," he muttered affectionately.
He tossed the phone back onto the nightstand when suddenly, another chime echoed through the room.
This time, it wasn't the phone.
It came from the glimmering Dungeon Token he won from clearing the A-Rank Rift yesterday.
The black crystal pulsed, releasing a faint holographic screen in front of him.
[ SYSTEM ALERT ]
[ Congratulations! ]
[ You've unlocked a hidden reward from your A-Rank Dungeon Token: ]
[ "Romance Simulation Mode"! ]
[ New Feature Activated: Dynamic Dialogue Choices ]
[ Choose the right words to influence Beatrix's Affection Meter! ]
[ Correct choice: +5% Affection ]
[ Wrong choice: -5% Affection ]
[ Max affection (100%) unlocks: Seduction Event ]
[ Current Beatrix Affection: 10% ]
[ Good Luck, Player ]
Kain sat up slowly, eyebrows raising in dry amusement.
"...You've gotta be shitting me"
A pink screen floated midair, listing branching dialogue options like some bootleg dating sim.
Each choice blinked like a loaded gun pointed at his dignity.
[ Today's Target: Beatrix Vesper ]
[ Location: Academy Central Courtyard ]
[ Event: Casual Morning Encounter ]
Kain stretched, cracked his neck, and got dressed in clean Academy casuals, a black jacket, dark jeans, and tousled hair.
Hands in his pockets, he slipped out the door.
Academy Courtyard
Students hustled and bustled around the sunlit courtyard, the air full of chatter and sparring noises.
And there, by the fountain, standing like a queen with zero effort.
Beatrix Vesper.
She leaned casually against the stone ledge of the fountain, arms crossed under her chest, eyes closed, soaking up the morning warmth.
Her Academy jacket hung loosely over her shoulders, giving her a wild, rebellious look.
But managed to contain the aura of a knight.
No Finn in sight.
Probably wondering what stupid shirt he should wear today.
[ Choose Your Approach ]
"Yo, Captain Cool. Fancy seeing you here" (Casual, confident)
"You look stunning in this light, Beatrix" (Flirtatious, risky)
"Where's the idiot? Are you waiting for Finn?" (Jealous, obvious)
Kain smirked to himself.
He mentally selected the first option, his steps easy and measured.
"Yo, Captain Cool. Fancy seeing you here"
Beatrix cracked an eye open, her mouth curving into a slow, lazy smirk.
"Captain Cool? Haven't heard that one before," she said, a low chuckle slipping out.
"I guess it's better than 'Jerk'"
[ System ]
[ +5% Affection! ]
[ Affection: 15% ]
Kain stood relaxed in front of her, the sun gleaming off his white hair, giving him a half-wicked silhouette.
The air between them shifted, just barely.
[ System: Next choice Available! ]
Beatrix tilted her head at him, one brow raised.
"So, what brings you out here, Crowhurst?"
[ Choose Your Approach ]
"Looking for someone worth my time. Guess I found her" (Bold, direct)
"Just wandering. Got bored after my girlfriends left" (Playful, provocative)
"Making sure Finn isn't getting mugged again" (Sarcastic, safe)
Beatrix's teasing smile lingers, expectant.
The sun glints off her crimson eyes like a challenge.
Kain weighed the options with a lazy flick of his eyes.
He decided to push the line.
Mental Selection: Option 2.
"Just wandering. Got bored after my girlfriend's left"
The moment the words slipped out of his mouth, he regretted it.
Beatrix's smirk flattened, her gaze cooling just slightly.
"Ouch. Thanks for reminding me I'm not in the club yet," she said, voice light but a little too sharp.
[ System ]
[ -5% Affection! ]
[ Affection: 10% ]
Kain bit the inside of his cheek, hiding his grimace.
"Idiot," he cursed inwardly.
'Don't joke about that shit, dumbass. She's not like the others'
The blue screen blinked at him again.
[ Recovery Choice Available! ]
[ Choose Quickly! ]
Options flashed:
"Maybe I'm just waiting for the right one to drag me down" (Smooth recovery, serious tone)
"Damn, didn't mean it like that. You're way outta their league anyway" (Playful, slightly risky)
"We can always talk with our mouths" (Defeatist, BAD idea.)
Kain didn't even hesitate.
He mentally slammed Option 1 like a man trying to win a jackpot.
He shrugged one shoulder, his eyes half-lidded and cool.
Beatrix blinked, then laughed.
A real one.
Soft, genuine, and musical.
"That so?" she said, brushing a lock of hair from her face.
"Guess you'll have to keep waiting, Crowhurst.
"Maybe you'll get lucky"
[ System ]
[ +5% Affection! ]
[ Affection: 15% ]
Kain exhaled silently in relief.
Small victories.
Beatrix pushed off the fountain with easy grace and walked toward him, hips swaying just enough to be dangerous.
She bumped his shoulder lightly with hers as she passed.
"C'mon, you're buying breakfast. I'm starving"
Kain shoved his hands deeper into his jacket pockets, falling into step beside her, a lazy grin playing at his lips.
Down the walkway, Finn rounded the corner, balancing a drink tray, breakfast in hand, a wide, stupid, happy grin on his face when he saw them.
"Oh! Beatrix!" Finn called, voice cracking slightly.
Beatrix's whole face lit up at the sight of him.
Genuine happiness sparkling in her eyes.
She hurried over, waving.
"Finn! Morning!" she said, almost too eagerly.
Finn stumbled a little with the drinks, nearly tripping over himself.
Kain caught the tray with one hand before it spilled, tossing it back to Finn with a smirk.
"Smooth," Kain muttered.
Finn just laughed, bashful.
"Thanks, buddy! You're the best!"
He didn't even notice the way Beatrix stuck close to Kain's side, or the faint pink dusting on her cheeks when Kain handed her a coffee without being asked.
To Finn, this was just his awesome best friend Kain, helping set him up with a girl again.
To Kain, this was war, and Beatrix was the spoils he intended to take.
Moments Later
The three sat at a small stone table under a large tree.
Students passed by in the distance, the academy grounds humming to life.
Beatrix sat between Kain and Finn, a little closer to Finn, at first.
Finn, still in his stupidly happy bubble, slid a bagel her way with both hands, like he was offering a sacred gift.
Beatrix giggled, an actual giggle, and took it, their fingers brushing.
Finn turned redder than a fire hydrant.
Kain leaned back lazily, one leg crossed over the other, sipping his coffee slowly.
Eyes half-lidded.
Watching.
Calculating.
[ Affection: 15% ]
'Gotta work faster than this,' he thought, swirling the coffee in his hand.
[ Beatrix. Affection Toward Finn: 88% → 90% (Very High) ]
[ Loyalty: 95% → 97% (Very High) ]
'Before her affection goes to a place I can't tamper with!'
"Did you... Sleep well?" Finn blurted, voice cracking again.
Beatrix smiled warmly at him.
"I did. Thanks for asking, Finn"
The dopey smile Finn gave her almost hurt to look at.
Kain hid his smirk behind the coffee cup.
"So," Kain drawled, voice lazy and deep, cutting in just enough,
"You got plans after breakfast, Beatrix?"
She turned to him, that little extra brightness fading into something calmer.
The smile she gave Kain was different: smaller, acted, no feelings of love whatsoever.
"Mm... I was thinking of hitting the training grounds," she said.
"Maybe burn off some of this breakfast"
"Sounds like fun," Kain said smoothly.
He sipped again.
"Need a partner?"
Beatrix opened her mouth, then paused.
Kain could see the thought forming in her head.
'I should ask Finn to join as well'
But the moment passed.
She smiled at Kain instead.
"Are you volunteering?"
He gave a lazy shrug.
"Couldn't hurt"
She laughed again, covering her mouth.
Finn, oblivious as ever, chimed in.
"Hey, that's perfect! Kain's a great sparring partner! He'll definitely get you ready for anything, Beatrix!"
Beatrix looked back at Kain, tilting her head.
"I'll think about it," she teased, winking.
But she didn't say no.
[ System: +5% Affection! ]
[ Affection: 20% ]
They finished breakfast with Finn excitedly talking about some new training regime he heard about.
Beatrix nodded so hard that it looked like her head was about to fall.
Her loyalty to this fool was no joke if she could sit and listen to him ramble with a smile on her face.
And Kain?
He just sat there, silent.
Every so often, throwing in a small comment that made Beatrix laugh and made Finn think he was the world's greatest wingman.
As they left the courtyard,
Finn turned to Kain, punching him lightly in the arm.
"Thanks, man! I think she's starting to really like me!"
Kain smiled lazily, ruffling Finn's hair.
"Yeah," he said, voice smooth.
"You're killin' it, champ!"
Finn laughed brightly, full of dumb hope.
Beatrix just smiled... thinking that maybe Kain wasn't such a piece of shit.
But that thought was soon replaced when she saw Finn's smile.
Such a nice warm smile.
A smile that Kain couldn't wait to destroy.
Training Grounds / Private Room
Kain leaned back against the wall.
Turning off the dating simulation mood.
He was more comfortable doing things his way and did not like relying on the system as much.
His arms folded casually, watching Beatrix adjust her gloves.
She looked focused, determined... and blissfully unaware.
"You know," Kain said lazily, voice light, "you're not the only one close to Finn"
Beatrix gave him a curious glance.
"Of course. Ruby and Lyla are, too. Ruby has been with us since Finn was a child, and Lyla, I heard, got to know him quite well in the Academy"
"They seem to be great friends"
Kain smirked.
"Friends, huh? Is that what you think?"
He let the words hang, just enough to make her blink.
Beatrix frowned, lowering her hands a little.
"...What do you mean?"
He chuckled low under his breath.
"I mean, close is a funny word. Ruby and Lyla aren't just sticking around because they're childhood buddies"
"They're his girls. Girlfriends, you could say"
Beatrix stared at him, trying to decide if he was joking.
"...Are you saying Finn's trying to build a harem or something?" she asked, half-laughing, half-nervous.
Kain gave a sharp grin, tilting his head.
"Pretty much"
The casual way he said it made it sound almost... natural.
Expected.
Beatrix turned her eyes away for a second, her brows knitting together.
She pulled at the strap of her glove, adjusting it needlessly.
"I mean..." she muttered, mostly to herself.
"I thought... no, that's just stupid..."
Was she just another girl to conquer?
Another trophy for Finn, like Ruby and Lyla?
The thought tasted bitter.
She tightened her fists, almost not noticing how the leather creaked under her grip.
[ System: Beatrix's Loyalty to Finn has decreased slightly! ]
[ Loyalty: 97% → 80% ( High) ]
[ System: Beatrix's Affection toward Kain has increased slightly! ]
[Beatrix. Affection Toward You: 20% → 24%]
Kain watched her reaction with a lazy, satisfied glint in his eye.
Finn still wasn't back.
Plenty of time to dig a little deeper.
Beatrix shook her head quickly, like trying to shake off a bad dream.
"...You're lying," she said, forcing a laugh. It sounded thin.
"Finn's not like that"
Kain shrugged, easy, casual.
"Maybe," he said.
"Maybe he's not doing it on purpose"
He pushed off the wall, stepping a little closer, just enough to lower his voice, almost like they were sharing a secret.
"But think about it. Ruby. Lyla. Now you"
He let the names hang between them, each one a stone dropping into a still lake.
"You're all strong. Beautiful. Loyal. Perfect for a guy like him"
Beatrix's mouth opened, but no words came out.
Kain's smile was maddeningly soft.
"You think you're the first girl who's thought she was 'special' to him?"
He laughed, not unkindly.
"You're just... next in line"
That one hit.
Hard.
Beatrix looked down, fists clenching tighter.
Her chest hurt in a way that sparring never caused. A cold, hollow ache.
[ System: Beatrix's Loyalty to Finn has decreased further! ]
[ Loyalty: 80% → 70% ( High) ]
[ System: Beatrix's Heart is shaken... ]
"I thought you should know," Kain said, stepping back like it was nothing.
"Before you go getting too attached"
He winked at her.
"Wouldn't want you to get hurt"
And just like that, he turned away, stretching his arms over his head, giving her space to drown in her spiraling thoughts.
Right as Finn's voice echoed from the far side of the field.
"Got the towels! Sorry for the wait!"
Beatrix snapped her head up, heart thudding painfully.
Finn smiled at her, easy, warm, the same smile he probably gave Ruby and Lyla, too.
And for the first time...
Beatrix wondered if that smile was ever meant just for her.
[ System: Beatrix's Loyalty to Finn has decreased further! ]
[ Loyalty: 80% → 75% ( High) ]
[ System: Beatrix's Affection toward Kain has increased slightly! ]
[Beatrix. Affection Toward Kain: 24% → 27%]
He smirked.
Loving the way how easy it was to just give a slight push, and their thoughts did it all.
Finn jogged over, tossing one of the towels at Kain without much thought.
Kain caught it lazily with one hand, spinning it around his neck, pretending like he hadn't just poisoned the well.
"Ready?" Finn asked, smiling widely at Beatrix.
She stiffened.
"Yeah," she said after a beat, forcing the word out.
Kain didn't miss the way she avoided Finn's eyes.
Didn't miss how her usual brightness dulled into something muted.
It was delicious.
Finn didn't notice a damn thing, of course.
Still that same easy grin, still the hero everyone loved without question.
"Alright!" Finn clapped his hands together.
"Kain, you're up first! Let's give Beatrix a real challenge"
Kain stretched, cracking his neck.
The smirk never left his face.
"As you wish"
Beatrix shifted, fists up, but there was a hesitance now.
A doubt in her stance Kain hadn't seen before.
She wasn't fighting him anymore.
She was fighting the storm he planted in her heart.
Perfect.
He darted forward, sharp and fast but not too fast.
Kain was a gentleman, after all.
This wasn't about winning the spar.
This was about breaking her, piece by piece.
Testing her reactions, brushing close enough to make her flinch, forcing her mind to slip back to the thoughts he seeded:
'Am I special to him? Or just another girl?'
Every missed beat, every hesitant block, made her heart pound harder.
Not from fear of Kain.
But from the fear of the unknown.
Meanwhile, Finn cheered from the sidelines, completely oblivious.
"You got this, Bea! Keep your guard up!"
Kain almost laughed.
Oh, she would keep her guard up, alright.
But maybe not against him anymore.
Maybe against poor, lovely Finn.
But right now, that wasn't important.
Kain's movements were fluid, almost lazy.
But every step, every jab, every pivot, was perfectly measured.
Effortless.
Controlled.
Overwhelming.
Beatrix came at him fast, fists sharp, but Kain slipped around her like smoke, catching her wrist mid-punch and spinning her off-balance.
He didn't strike back hard.
No, he was careful.
He wanted her to feel how big the gap between them was.
Like Finn's promises of "you got this" were just sweet, empty lies.
'Where's your precious Finn now?'
He didn't need to say it.
His silence screamed it loud enough.
"Focus, Bea!" Finn shouted from the sidelines, cheering.
"You're doing great!"
Beatrix's teeth clenched tightly.
Her heart pounded.
'Am I?'
She lashed out with a roundhouse kick, and Kain caught her ankle mid-air like it was nothing.
Effortless.
For a second, their eyes locked.
And Kain, still smirking, tossed her backward.
Not hard enough to hurt.
But hard enough to show dominance.
Beatrix hit the mat with a heavy thud, breath exploding from her lungs.
Finn rushed forward immediately.
"Bea! Are you alright?!"
She sat up quickly, shaking her head.
"I'm fine!" she snapped, sharper than she meant.
She didn't want to look at him.
Didn't want to see that smile.
Not when all she could hear was Kain's voice in her mind:
"You're just next in line"
[ System: Beatrix's Loyalty to Finn has decreased significantly! ]
[ Loyalty: 70% → 60% ( Moderate) ]
[ System: Beatrix's Affection toward Kain has increased! ]
[ Affection: 27% → 32% ]
Kain crouched nearby, towel slung lazily over his shoulder.
"Not bad," he said, low and smooth.
"You've got good instincts"
Beatrix blinked at him, confused by the sudden praise.
"But instinct isn't enough," he added, rising to his feet.
"You need someone who can teach you how to trust yourself"
His eyes flicked to Finn, just for a second.
Beatrix caught it.
And suddenly... Finn's outstretched hand felt heavier.
More distant.
Like maybe he wasn't the one who could help her after all.
Maybe it was.
She shook the thought violently away, grabbing Finn's hand and letting him pull her up.
But the seed was already planted.
Already blooming.
Kain just smiled to himself as he grabbed his water bottle and turned away.
This was going even better than he planned.
Finn dusted off Beatrix's sleeve, concern in his eyes.
"Are you sure you're okay? If you want, we can spar together!"
"I'll go easy, promise!"
He gave her that smile again.
That easy, warm smile.
But it didn't land the same way anymore.
Not after everything.
Beatrix hesitated, just for a second, but to Finn, it probably felt like an eternity.
And in that breath of hesitation...
Kain leaned against the far wall, sipping his water bottle, watching.
Not interfering.
Just waiting.
Beatrix's mouth opened.
Closed.
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
She thought about how Kain fought.
How real it felt.
He exposed all her weaknesses without even trying.
Maybe she was wrong about Finn.
Maybe... she needed something more.
She wiped her gloves on her pants, forcing herself to meet Finn's hopeful gaze.
"Actually..."
Her voice was a little hoarse.
She cleared her throat.
"Can I spar with Kain again?"
Finn blinked.
A beat of silence.
"...You sure?" he asked, still smiling, but it was thinner now, forced at the edges.
"I just..." she stumbled over the words, finding them heavy in her throat.
"I think I can learn more that way."
Learn more from Kain.
Not from Finn.
[ System: Beatrix's Loyalty to Finn has dropped sharply! ]
[ Loyalty: 60% → 45% ( Moderate) ]
[ System: Beatrix's Affection toward Kain has increased! ]
[ Affection: 32% → 40% ]
Something inside Finn cracked, a hairline fracture, invisible to anyone else.
But Kain saw it.
Oh, he savored it.
He pushed off the wall casually, giving Beatrix a small, lazy nod like it was no big deal.
"Sure," Kain said, rolling his shoulders.
"Round two, then"
He shot Finn a little grin.
Mocking, but hidden just enough that Finn would doubt himself.
Finn stepped back automatically, feeling... out of place.
Wasn't he supposed to be the one Beatrix trusted most?
As Beatrix squared up with Kain again, her whole focus shifted.
Not on Finn.
Not on what he would think.
Only on beating Kain.
Proving herself… to him.
Finn's hand slowly dropped to his side, forgotten.
Kain met Beatrix's determined eyes, and he smirked, almost proud.
'Good,' he thought.
'Good girl'
The private room echoed faintly with the sounds of leather gloves brushing against calloused palms, shoes squeaking faintly against polished stone.
Beatrix squared up against Kain, shoulders set, fists raised.
Focused.
Kain's smirk was a slash across his face as he casually circled her, hands loose at his sides.
He wasn't even guarding properly.
Arrogant?
No.
Confidence.
Finn, standing awkwardly near the door with towels draped over his arm, felt invisible.
Like he wasn't even part of this room anymore.
Beatrix lunged fast, but tensely.
Predictable.
Kain moved like a ghost, slipping just enough to the side that she missed by inches.
"Tch—" Beatrix gritted her teeth, spinning for a follow-up kick.
Again, Kain didn't even block.
He flowed around her.
Effortless.
He clicked his tongue once, just loud enough for her to hear, and muttered under his breath, "You're too stiff"
Beatrix blinked.
'What?'
Kain leaned in, barely dodging another strike, his voice a whisper.
"You're trying to overpower me. Don't!"
He ducked under her arm, light as a shadow.
"Use momentum. Flow. Not force"
It wasn't a taunt.
It wasn't a mockery.
It was advice.
Real advice.
Beatrix faltered mid-punch, surprised but adjusted.
She tried it, letting her body move instead of forcing.
Her next strike almost grazed Kain's ribs.
Finn's eyes widened.
'She's... adapting?! So fast?!'
Beatrix's cheeks flushed not from exertion but from thrill.
From growth.
From recognition.
Kain saw what she could be.
And she wanted him to keep seeing it.
Wanted to prove she could.
[ System: Beatrix's Affection toward Kain has increased! ]
[ Affection: 40% → 50% ]
[ System: Beatrix's Loyalty to Finn has dropped! ]
[ Loyalty: 45% → 30% ( Low) ]
Kain caught her wrist mid-strike with two fingers, just two and smiled lazily.
"Better," he said, low, like a secret between them.
Their eyes locked.
The air between them crackled not with romance but with raw, electric trust.
Beatrix's chest heaved, her gloves trembling slightly.
She wasn't blushing out of embarrassment.
She was burning with the need to earn Kain's acknowledgement.
Finn stood frozen, watching it all unfold.
Feeling like a bystander in a story he was supposed to be the hero of.
Kain finally pushed Beatrix back with a casual nudge to her forehead.
"Not bad, rookie," he said, turning away with a yawn.
"Maybe someday you'll actually hit me"
Beatrix actually smiled at that.
Small.
Genuine.
Finn's hands clenched around the towels.
So tight the fabric strained.
'This isn't right,' he thought, heart sinking.
'This isn't how it's supposed to be'
Kain caught the look in Finn's eyes and smirked over his shoulder.
A slow, wicked grin.
'Gotta cheer up that idiot, might have to call Ruby and Lyla'
After Classes / Academy Grounds
The sun dipped low behind the academy walls, casting long shadows across the fields.
Finn trudged beside Kain, head drooping, aura miserable.
Ruby and Lyla flanked him like loyal guards, concern etched on their faces.
"Cheer up, dummy," Ruby said, elbowing him lightly.
"You're the most lovable idiot here," Lyla added with a fond sigh.
Kain laughed, a low, easy sound, and clapped Finn on the back hard enough to nearly topple him.
"Come on, man. You really think Beatrix hates you now?"
He said, eyes gleaming.
"You've got two beautiful girls literally clinging to you right now. That doesn't just happen"
Finn blinked.
"...Y-Yeah, you're right," he muttered, face brightening slightly.
Ruby nodded fiercely.
"Exactly! Finn, you didn't steal our hearts. We gave them to you, moron"
Lyla leaned closer, smirking.
"And we don't regret it"
Finn's cheeks turned red.
His chest puffed out a little.
Kain leaned closer, grinning wickedly.
"And that spar? That whole session? Beatrix was just tense, bro"
"She's feeling pressure because she cares about you. I was just... helping smooth it out"
Finn looked at him, wide-eyed.
"You were wingmanning for me... during the spar?"
Kain winked.
"Always, brother. Always"
Finn laughed, genuinely, his mood lifting like smoke off a fire.
Kain slung an arm over his shoulder, ruffling Finn's hair like an annoying older brother.
Perfect.
Easy.
Back in control.
Later That Night / Kain's Room
The moon hung heavy outside the window, silver light pooling across Kain's dark room.
He was sharpening one of his knives lazily when a soft knock came at the door.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah?"
The door creaked open.
Beatrix stood there, arms crossed awkwardly, head lowered, a small frown creasing her forehead.
No armor.
No gloves.
Just a simple hoodie and training shorts.
Which just made her ten times more sexy.
But she still looked like she could punch through a wall if she wanted to.
"...Can I come in?" she asked quietly.
Kain sheathed the knife, leaning back against the wall with a smirk.
"Depends. Are you planning to murder me?"
A tiny twitch of a smile touched her lips.
"No," she said, stepping inside and closing the door softly behind her.
Kain watched her, curious.
She fidgeted, rare for her, before blurting out:
"I need advice. About... Finn!"
Kain's smirk grew sharper.
'Hook, line, and sinker!'
He gestured casually to the chair across from him.
"Sit down, rookie. Let's hear it"
She dropped into the chair, hands fidgeting with the hem of her hoodie.
"I just... I don't know how to get closer to him," she muttered.
"I like him. A lot. I don't know how to show it correctly. I'm... not good with stuff like this"
[ System: Beatrix's Affection toward Finn: 94% ]
Kain pretended to think, stroking his chin dramatically.
Then leaned in, lowering his voice like he shared a dark secret.
"Simple. Practice"
Beatrix blinked.
"...Practice?"
Kain nodded solemnly.
"A practice date. You and me. I'll act like Finn"
"You act like you normally would. That way, when the real thing happens, you'll be a natural"
Beatrix's eyes lit up, so earnest it almost hurt.
"That's... actually a really good idea," she said, smiling for real now.
"Thank you, Kain"
She stood, bowing slightly.
"I'll work hard!"
Kain chuckled darkly to himself once she turned away.
'Oh, you will. You'll work so hard…'
'You'll fall right into my hands'
He leaned back, hands behind his head, grin wide and vicious.
'This is gonna be fun'