In that instant, a quiet gunshot zipped by her cheek. She barely avoided it. If she’d been slower, the bullet would have pierced her head. A bullet hole appeared in the wall beside her, the faint scent of smoke rising from it.

At that moment, a figure stepped into view. Katelyn froze, shocked. The young man standing before her was Austen, cold and silent.

Why was Austen here? Hadn’t he been with Elora in Yata? Confusion filled Katelyn, but she kept her eyes hard and her voice stern.

“Who are you?”

Austen had no idea that Hades was actually Katelyn. Without a word, Austen leveled the gun at her head, his tone chilling.

“Come with me to Yata.”

Katelyn’s confusion only deepened. Unfazed, she spoke with resolve.

“First, I don’t know you, so why would I go with you? Second, whether I go to Yata or not is my decision, and no one can force me.” She was Hades now, and pride came naturally to her.

Austen aimed the gun, but Katelyn didn’t flinch. Not a flicker of panic crossed her face. It was clear—she didn’t think Austen could kill her.

Katelyn was sure she could dodge his shot, but she also knew something else. If Austen had come looking for Hades, there had to be a reason. He wouldn’t waste time talking if he didn’t have a request. He would’ve acted already.

Austen’s brow furrowed as he noticed she wasn’t afraid. He lowered the gun slowly, his voice steady.

“My master is sick. You are needed.”

Katelyn gave him a brief look before responding coldly, “I refuse.”

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Elora had a mental illness, and while Katelyn knew a bit about mental health, there was no way she’d help Elora. Not after everything Elora had done to her. Why should she help?

As Katelyn began to walk away, Austen raised his gun once more.

“Go or die.”

Katelyn understood that Austen’s loyalty to Elora was unshakable, almost to the point of obsession. But what did that matter?

Just then, the sharp click of another gun being cocked rang out.

“You can try.”

Vincent shoved the gun right against Austen’s head, and Austen’s body went still.

When had he shown up? Austen stole a glance at Vincent. Wasn’t this the same Vincent who was close to Katelyn? Why was he tied to Hades like this?

A whirlwind of thoughts rushed through his mind. Austen took a moment, weighing his next move. He calmed his thoughts and whispered, “I hope you’ll think it over. You can set any conditions as long as you’re willing to go.”

His earlier confidence had vanished. With that, he delivered his message and began to walk away, not giving a second glance to the gun in Vincent’s hand.

Katelyn was left confused. What had brought Austen to Granville to seek Hades’ help? The thought barely lingered in her mind, and she quickly dismissed it. She had no plans to help Elora.

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