As they continued to walk, Rourke's shadow shifted unnaturally. For the briefest second, it twisted and writhed like a living thing, a flickering darkness that didn't match the soft lantern light illuminating the room. Helios's sharp eyes caught it instantly.
He didn't flinch.
Instead, a knowing smirk played across his lips. He didn't even glance at Rourke but tilted his head slightly toward Kurai. She was already staring at the anomaly, her gaze cold and unreadable. When the shadow stilled and returned to normal, Kurai blinked slowly, as if deciding whether to strike Rourke down or leave it be.
Helios gave the faintest nod and turned on his heel. "Come on," he murmured to her in a low voice. "Leave it be. I don't think he'll be able to summon too many heartless. Let's join those two nerds."
Kurai let out a quiet exhale—whether it was an amused scoff or a sigh of boredom wasn't clear—and followed silently.
At the far end of the chamber, Milo and Kida were practically glowing as they poured over the mural's ancient glyphs. Kida traced her fingers reverently over the symbols, her eyes alight with excitement as Milo translated in hushed tones.
"It speaks of… energy flowing like rivers… and vehicles that can fly…" Milo said, voice trembling with awe.
Kida nodded. "Yes. My father spoke of these things only vaguely. To see it inscribed here…"
Helios and Kurai stood off to the side, observing but saying nothing. Milo caught Helios's amused smile out of the corner of his eye and paused.
"Would you… care to contribute, Mr. Helios?" Milo asked nervously.
Helios gave a small shrug. "You two seem to be doing fine. I wouldn't want to ruin your little academic honeymoon."
Milo flushed crimson. "I-I—this isn't—"
Kida tilted her head at Helios, expression flat but her tone curious. "Do you know these symbols as well?"
Helios leaned against a pillar, folding his arms. "I know pieces not much more than that man Milo over there. Just enough to say your city… is older than you think."
Kida blinked. "Older than I think?"
Before Helios could answer, Kurai interjected coolly. "Ignore him. He's just being dramatic."
Helios chuckled. "Maybe. Or maybe some truths are too dangerous to speak in a place like this."
Kida's frown deepened slightly, but before she could press further, she glanced at Milo and sighed. "It grows late. We should rest. We can continue deciphering tomorrow."
Milo nodded, though his gaze lingered longingly on the mural.
The group began making their way back through the winding stone halls of Atlantis. The soft glow of crystalline torches lit their path, shadows dancing along the intricate glyphs carved into the walls.
When they reached their guest quarters, Kida bid them all good night, her expression serene but her eyes betraying a flicker of unease.
Helios and Kurai stepped into their shared room, the air still heavy with the strange energy of the day.
As Helios set his jacket aside, he noticed that Skuld was no where to be seen and then heard a burst of laughter echo from down the corridor. It was warm, raucous, and undeniably human. A soft smile tugged at his lips.
"Skuld," he murmured to himself.
He walked quietly down the hallway and stopped outside the door where the noise originated. Voices filtered through:
"Ha! You call that a hand? Sweet, you're terrible at this!"
"Aw, come on, Audrey, let me have my fun."
"Three pair beats two, right?" Skuld's voice chimed in with laughter.
Helios raised a brow in amusement and gave a polite knock.
The room went quiet for a moment.
Then Vincenzo's voice called out, "It's open!"
Helios pushed the door open and leaned casually against the frame. The sight before him made his smirk widen.
Skuld was sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by Vincenzo, Mole, Sweet, Audrey, Packard, and Cookie. A messy pile of cards sat in the center of their circle, along with a few scraps of food and empty mugs.
Skuld glanced up, surprised, and then narrowed her eyes slightly in mock suspicion.
"Did you win?" Helios asked, his voice warm with teasing.
Skuld pouted. "No. And they keep saying I'm a beginner's luck type, so they're not going easy on me."
Helios chuckled and stepped fully into the room. "You'll have to teach me and Kurai the rules one day. We'll have a match of our own."
"Only if you're ready to lose," Sweet said with a grin.
"Oh, don't tempt me, doc," Helios replied with an amused glint in his eye.
The room relaxed again, laughter resuming as Helios excused himself and shut the door gently behind him.
Back in his room, Helios found Kurai sitting on the edge of her bed. She didn't look up as he entered.
"You don't want to join them?" Helios asked.
Kurai glanced at him with her usual icy stare. "I'm not here for games."
"Ah. Of course." Helios smiled faintly. "But one day, I'll get you to sit down for a hand or two. Maybe even smile."
"Don't push your luck."
Helios laughed softly and settled into his bed. "Don't worry. Tomorrow will be another long day of secrets and maybe an assassination. It'll be so interesting, but for now… let's rest."
Kurai didn't respond, but her head inclined slightly—as close to agreement as he was likely to get.