Isra settled into a chair, posture calm but alert, while Liam remained standing, arms folded, listening for the faintest sound. The hall was hushed, torches flickering against the stone walls. Then footsteps echoed — Erika entered.
Sky broke the silence with a light breath. "So… we all cleaned up."
Isra's lips curved faintly. "Yes. We both did."
Erika stepped closer, her tone gentle but steady. "I brought herbs. They'll ease your injured leg, give you some relief."
Liam arched a brow, skeptical. "And how do you know all this?"
Erika's voice trembled, yet carried quiet pride. "I… studied. I learned."
Isra's smile deepened, watching Sky's reaction.
Sky's voice lifted, warm and teasing. "What kind of girl are you? Educated, skilled in medicine… that's impressive."
Erika held out a bundle of herbs. "Here, you can apply them. Come, I'll help."
Sky shook her head. "Why? I'll do it here."
Erika frowned. "Here? But women should not—"
Sky cut her off with a soft laugh. "Relax. It's normal. Knees are knees. Do you, Liam and Isra, have a problem?"
Isra's gaze softened, his voice low and reassuring. "No… we don't. You can do it, Sky."
Liam didn't look at her directly, but muttered, "No, lady… you can."
Sky applied the herbs to her knees. Erika's eyes narrowed, her tone sharp. "You are very strange."
Liam gave a short chuckle. "We know."
Isra added with a faint smile, "Yes, we do."
Sky smirked. "Listen, where I come from… this is normal."
Isra inclined his head. "We understand."
Sky's stomach growled faintly, and she sighed. "Well, I'm hungry. Do you have anything?"
Erika straightened, eager. "Yes. I'll cook for you."
Sky grinned. "No, not just you. We'll all help."
Liam and Isra exchanged a glance.
Liam muttered, "It's… we don't know how we're supposed to."
Isra leaned forward, calm but firm. "It's okay. But you will teach us, Sky."
Sky laughed lightly. "Chill, guys. I'll help."
They all moved into the kitchen. Erika baked bread, Liam awkwardly tried to assist, while Sky roasted chicken and began teaching Isra how to cook.
Sky teased, "How do you two not know cooking? All men should know how to cook."
Isra admitted softly, "Well… yes."
Sky clapped her hands. "Alright, team — cooking class begins now!"
Liam groaned. "Cooking class? We don't even know how we're supposed to start."
The kitchen filled with noise and laughter as they all gathered around the table. Erika kneaded bread with steady hands, flour dusting her cheeks. Liam hovered awkwardly, dropping a spoon with a loud clang, then another utensil.
Isra scolded him, shaking his head. "Careful, Liam."
Sky roasted chicken, sleeves rolled up, while Isra stood beside her .
Sky suddenly shouted, startling them. "God, I can't miss this!"
Everyone froze. "What happened?"
Sky dumped a pile of potatoes on the counter. "French fries. Without them, food is impossible to eat. What do you say?"
Isra frowned. "What is that?"
Sky leaned closer, resting her hand on his arm. "We cut potatoes, fry them, add some spices…" She grinned at their astonishment.
Erika blinked. "Spices on fried potatoes?"
Sky nodded eagerly. "Yes! Erika, do you have corn?"
Erika wiped her hands. "Yes, I do."
Sky pointed at Liam. "Good. Bag it and make powder for me."
Liam muttered, "Powder out of corn? Madness." He obeyed anyway, puffing flour into his hair.
Erika laughed. Isra chuckled. Sky burst out laughing. "You look like a ghost!"
Isra was staring at the potato. Sky tapped his head playfully. "Listen—you'll cut the potatoes."
Liam protested. "He doesn't know how! I'll help you."
Sky wagged her finger. "No. He will do it. Isra, do you have a problem?"
Isra met her gaze, steady. "No. I'll do it. Whatever you say."
He picked up the knife, fumbling. Sky leaned over, incredulous. "You don't even know how to cut? How are you surviving here?"
Erika chuckled. "Well, from surviving I remember Sky kicked some people. You both should learn."
Liam nearly burst out laughing, whispering to himself: Survive… Isak can cut a man with that knife, but not a potato…
Isra raised a brow. "Really? What happened?"
Sky smirked, launching into her stories — how people mocked her, how she saved Erika. Her voice grew animated, hands waving as she spoke. Isra listened intently, completely absorbed.
Finally, she blurted, "Yes. Then I kicked their ass." She clapped her hand over her mouth, realizing she'd said too much.
Silence fell. Erika's hands stilled, Liam glanced sideways, and Isra's expression darkened.
But then Isra chuckled softly, enjoying her boldness. "Sky, you should learn some etiquette here."
Erika nodded. "Yes, Sky."
Sky's eyes flashed. "I don't want to. Some fights are with the mouth. And when fighting with words, we can abuse. If they mock again, I'll fight back with more abuse."
Liam laughed under his breath, thinking: They'll never come back. Isak killed them all.
Isra's voice dropped, cold. "Manners? Why waste time teaching them? It's better to kill them… so they never mess again."
Sky's tone sharpened. She turned him by the shoulders, looking straight into his eyes. "Isra… don't do anything mean, okay? Promise me."
Isra's lips curved faintly. "Yes… never do it. Once they don't mess with me."
Suddenly Erika shrieked, "Rat!"
Sky jumped, clutching Isra's arm. He instinctively held her close. Erika darted behind Liam, hiding against his back.
Isra and Liam exchanged bewildered looks — it was the first time they'd seen women terrified of something so small.
Meanwhile, Sky was still in Isra's arms, eyes squeezed shut. Isra's breath faltered, his cheeks red.
In his mind he thought: "I have missed this — your laughter, the way you lean on me so freely. Courage wrapped in sweetness…
He steadied himself, looking down at her.
"It's gone. Brave woman."
Sky opened her eyes, cheeks flushed. He set her down gently. She huffed. "Don't tease me. I'm definitely brave… just scared of rats."
Liam and Isra glanced at each other, both cheeks red, both trying to hide it.
To move past the awkward moment, Sky clapped her hands again. "See? We're cooking, we're laughing, and we're surviving.
Her face was smudged with flour and grease. Isra reached over, wiping her cheek with his sleeve. "Yes."
..
.
.
Then after few minutes later .....Sky was trying to blow at the fire, her eyes narrowed with determination. The flames flickered stubbornly. Isra laughed softly at her effort. "Wait, I'll help." He leaned in, but the fire only sputtered more.
Liam shook his head, amused. "You both leave it. I will help."
He crouched down, steady hands guiding the embers. Soon Erika joined him, and together they coaxed the fire alive. The warm glow spread across the kitchen, shadows dancing on the walls.
Sky watched them closely, her gaze lingering. Isra noticed and frowned. "Don't. Whatever you're thinking… here, concern matters, Sky."
Sky tilted her head innocently. "I didn't say anything."
Isra's eyes narrowed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I know what you're thinking."
Sky stepped closer, her eyes locking with his. "Then tell me what I'm thinking."
Isra's breath caught, his chest tightening under her gaze. For a moment, the world seemed to fall silent. Sky's eyes glimmered, and he almost lost himself in them. Finally, he whispered, "You're hungry."
Sky laughed lightly, breaking the tension. She fried the potatoes, mixing them with corn, sprinkling salt, and tossing them in the pan until golden. "Now it's ready," she announced proudly. "Wanna try?"
They all leaned forward, curious.
"Don't be scared," Sky teased. "It tastes better than it looks."
She pulled one out, but it was too hot. "Aauchh!" she yelped, nearly burning her hand.
Isra rushed to her side, alarm flashing in his eyes. He caught her hand gently, blowing on it. "Are you okay? It's hot. You should be careful. Let me do it."
Sky shook her head, smiling faintly. "No, it's fine… it's nothing." She blew on the potato herself, then quickly held it up to Isra's mouth. "Here. Try it."
It happened so fast that Isra didn't realize until it was already between his lips. His cheeks flushed red — the first time he'd ever experienced something so casual . Sky leaned closer, watching eagerly. "How is it?"
Isra swallowed, voice low. "It's… tasty." he took the potato and held it up to sky mouth ...how is it ...
Sky said yummy....
Sky grinned and handed one to Erika.
Erika tasted it, eyes widening. "Tasty."
Then Sky turned to Liam. He raised a hand gallantly. "I will take it, my lady—"
But Sky rushed forward and popped it into his mouth before he could finish. "How is it, Liam?"
Liam chewed, surprised. "Tasty. What is this?"
Erika leaned in, curious. it's a very strange thing. But the taste is good."
Sky smirked, showing a little attitude. "Well, it's from my place."
They all sat together, eating hungrily, exhaustion melting into warmth. The kitchen filled with laughter, the clatter of plates, and the comfort of shared food.
Afterward, Liam and Erika carried the plates back to the kitchen. The night air drifted in through the open window.
Liam lowered his voice, his eyes narrowing as he glanced toward the doorway. "Sky is very strange… like she's from another place or from another world. What do you say?" His mind churned with doubt. What if she isn't trustworthy? Try to find it…
Erika shook her head firmly, her hands still busy with the plates. "It doesn't matter where she comes from. She was the one who helped me first, when no one else did. Among our people, no one helped… only her."
Liam sighed, nodding slowly, his expression softening. "You're right."
Moments later, Sky appeared, cheerful, her steps light. "Hey, let me help you guys.
Erika waved her off, smiling faintly. "No, no. It's done already."
Liam stretched, glancing outside at the darkening sky. "Let's sit outside. It's night already."
Isra agreed quietly, his voice calm. "Yes."
Erika smiled. "Yes."
Sky darted out first, her steps quick, her face suddenly tense. She clutched her necklace, staring at it as though time itself had stopped — not knowing why...fingers tightening around it.
Isra's voice was steady, though his eyes betrayed worry. "You have to go now." ?
Sky shook her head, panic flickering in her eyes. "No… not now." Her thoughts raced. Now time has stopped… when it works, I will vanish. Never mind…
She forced a smile, turning toward the water. "Wow… such a nice view."
The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of earth and leaves. Above them, stars glittered across the dark sky, the moon casting a gentle glow that wrapped the world in silver.
Erika, Liam, and Isra stood beside her, their gazes following hers, drawn into the quiet beauty of the scene.
They all sat together on the stone steps. Erika nestled close to Sky, her hand brushing against Sky's arm. Isra sat beside her, his posture straight but his eyes softened by the glow of the night. Liam settled nearby, folding his arms across .
For a moment, they all lost themselves in silence — the night air wrapping around them, the sound of water flowing steady, and the bond between them stronger than words.
.
Sky leaned forward, her voice breaking the silence. "Guys… do you know Isak Raven?"
Isra froze, unable to process what he had just heard. "What…?" His hands are still, the weight of her words sinking in.
Erika's face went pale, her voice trembling. "Don't ask about him. He is evil… a beast… who knows only how to kill."
But Liam and Sky spoke at the same time, their voices firm. "No, it's wrong."
Isra and Erika turned to them, startled. Liam's gaze lingered on Sky, confusion flickering in his eyes. Sky stared back, equally shocked — both wondering why the other had taken Isak Raven's side.
Sky pressed, her tone sharp. "you know Isak… Liam
Her eyes locked on Liam. "Tell me."
Liam hesitated, his voice faltering. "Actually… I…"
Isra interrupted, his tone heavy. "We work for Isak Raven."
Erika stepped back, her hands tightening against her dress, listening in silence.
Sky rushed to Isra, her eyes wide. "Really? I want to meet him."
The three of them froze — Liam, Isra, and Sky — shocked at her words. The man the world feared, she wanted to meet.
Isra's voice was low, cautious. "Why do you want to meet him?"
Sky lifted her chin, determination flashing in her eyes. "Well, I will ask Isak Raven to help me… to put that bastard in a prisoner .
Her thoughts whispered inside: How can I tell them… that I came to love him…
Isra and Liam exhaled slowly, relief washing over them after a moment of fear.
Liam forced a smile. "Well… we are his spies… we will help you. "
Sky tilted her head, smiling faintly. "Really."
Erika rushed forward, hugging Sky tightly. "For me… you want to meet him, so you can help me."
Isra's eyes narrowed, his voice steady but sharp. "How do you know his name? And how do you know he is not evil?"
Sky laughed nervously, her voice uneven. "Well… I heard in the market. A few were talking. I thought gossip is always wrong. We never believe until we see it…"
Isra nodded slowly. "True."
Erika's voice trembled again. "You never met him… Isak Raven, whatever it takes…"
Sky frowned. "Why?"
Erika's eyes darkened. "If he sees you and wants to marry you then?"
Sky scoffed, rolling her eyes with a laugh. "What rubbish… do you think such a prince would marry me… me, out of nowhere? I'm not too beautiful. Look — in this place all women are so tall, so beautiful compared to me. I'm small among them."
Erika shook her head softly, her voice warm. "No… you are something… you are."
Isra interrupted, his lips curving faintly, his tone firm yet gentle. "You are beautiful, Sky. Anyone could die to marry you."
Liam looked at Isra, his voice low but certain. "Yes… even Isak Raven could marry you."
Isra's eyes flicked toward him, startled, studying Liam's face with quiet intensity.
Erika's voice broke the silence, soft but trembling. "Well… do you have anyone you love?"
Liam shifted nervously, almost running from the weight of the question, his glance darting to Isra. Isra shifted uncomfortably, his jaw tightening, avoiding Erika's gaze.
Sky shook her head, her tone firm. "No, I don't have. But I dated ten men."
The words hung heavy in the air. Erika, liam and Isra all stared at her, shocked.
Isra frowned. "What? Ten men? What do you mean by dating?"
Erika gasped. "Ten men… is it allowed in your place?"
Liam muttered under his breath, "Ten…" and quickly covered his mouth.
Sky explained, her tone calm but firm. "Dating means meeting men, spending time, talking. If we feel love, then we go for marriage. But if not, then we break up — separate."
Isra shook his head slowly. "Ten is still very high."
Sky sighed, frustration flickering across her face. "It's because I never found anyone. All of them were fools. They wanted me to pay for food, they demanded princess treatment, they didn't care about my feelings, not responsible at all… I could make a whole list if I start."
Liam scoffed, his tone sharp. "Are they even men?"
Isra laughed darkly, his eyes narrowing. " if they were here, I'd kill all ten who troubled you."
Sky turned sharply, her eyes flashing. "Isra… seriously."
Isra raised his hands lightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Alright…"
Sky's voice softened as she turned to Erika. "You must find someone. In your world it's not such a big issue, but for me it is."
Erika lowered her gaze, her voice breaking. "Who would want me? My name was destroyed… I got pregnant and lost the baby. What man would want such a woman?"
Sky leaned closer, her tone warm and steady, her eyes shining with compassion. "It doesn't matter who you are. When someone loves you, they will always love you — whoever you are, however you look, whatever you do. Your flaws, your strengths… everything about you. And Erika, you are pretty, cute, intelligent, and educated. It doesn't matter. There must be someone for you… so wait."
Erika shook her head faintly, doubt clouding her eyes. "I don't think I could love anyone."
Sky smiled gently, her laughter soft but full of conviction. "You don't have to prepare yourself to love. When the right one arrives, you will fall in love… without even trying."
Isra tilted his head, skeptical, his gaze steady. "You haven't fallen in love yet. How do you know so much?"
Sky laughed lightly, brushing her hair back. "It's because… I know."
Then she turned to Liam, her eyes playful. "Do you have a girlfriend?"
Liam blinked, confused. "Girlfriend… means?"
Sky explained patiently. "It means someone you love."
Liam shook his head quickly. "No, I don't have."
Sky turned to Isra, her gaze steady, her eyes searching his. "Do you have someone you love?"
Isra's heart raced, his breath uneven. He tried to process her words, his chest tightening, then answered quietly. "Not yet."
Sky smiled faintly, her voice soft but full of warmth. "Never mind. I will find someone for you, Liam… and for you, Isra. Okay?