Another hour crawled past before Jared finally severed the last filament of energy and let his arms drop. Exhaustion crashed over like surf, nearly sank to his knees, yet the smile that curved his mouth was radiant.
Kishor burst forward. Inside the still-glimmering array a woman of balanced figure and fresh, delicate beauty opened eyes.
Though pallor lingered from the metamorphosis, the years had gifted expression with a mature, gentle grace, yet Jared could still see the spirited girl named Alice.
“Alice…” Kishor’s voice cracked as reached out, afraid even his breath might scatter the vision. “Kishor, it’s really you,” whispered, smile shy and sweet, a flawless echo of the girl had been.
“Yes, it’s me, Alice…” Kishor could hold back no longer.
He wrapped in an unbreakable embrace, tears spilling as years of distance, hurt, and silence dissolved between their joined heartbeats. They clung to each other as though the decades themselves might be folded and mended by their arms.
Jared watched the reunited lovers weep against each other’s shoulders, then slipped from the chamber quietly. They deserved this moment, and at last, a chance to begin again.
***
A day later, Alice’s energy stabilized completely. Though strength had fallen to the first tier of the Nascent Soul stage, smiles now lit face so often that even the dim corridors seemed brighter.
Kishor’s long-burdened heart finally lay unshackled. He and Alice were practically inseparable. They arranged a small feast in Jared’s honor.
Lanternlight danced over polished wood as Alice lifted a cup of wine, bowed, and said, “Mr. Chance, we don’t know what to say. You restored my body and, more importantly, healed two hearts… I will remember this kindness for as long as I live.”
Kishor, too, raised his glass. “Mr. Chance, you are our benefactor. Whatever you need in the future, no matter the fire or flood, you may count on me without hesitation!”
“Please, there’s no need for such ceremony,” Jared said, flapping both hands in a quick, earnest wave. “I only lifted a finger. Watching two people who truly belong together finally get their happy ending is reward enough for me.”
Alice set glass down with deliberate care, the sparkle in eyes shifting to a steely seriousness. “Jared, you once told me you’ve been hunting for any trace of Malevolent Path Hall. Right?”
Jared answered with a slow, unwavering nod. “Yes…”
Alice leaned forward, voice dropping to a low, confidential murmur. “Whispers Tower’s web of informants stretches across every province. Over the years, we’ve gathered a trove of rumors and fragments about that cult. No one has yet pinpointed their main sanctuary, but we‘ve uncovered clues to several branch halls.”
She paused only long enough to pull a thin scroll from storage pouch.
With a soft crackle unfurled a weather-stained map across the table and tapped a crimson mark deep inside the Darkwind Range.
“This branch sits beneath an abandoned battlefield, ruins from some forgotten war. It’s vast, well-armed, and ruled by a demon lord who reportedly guards a hoard of the cult’s darkest secrets. I had other matters that kept me from acting. Now I’m giving you the precise location. Use it, and may it tip the scales in your favor.”
Jared studied the blood-red ink on the parchment. in his eyes, a flash of purpose-sharp, cold, and bright-slid through like a knife. This was the break had chased for what felt like a lifetime.
“Thank you, Madam Pudge.” He folded the map as if it were made of glass and tucked it close to his chest. “A gift like this is priceless…”
Alice’s smile returned, softer than before. “Just promise me you’ll be careful. That demon lord won’t fall easily. If you need allies, Whispers Tower’s doors are open.”
Kishor gave a single decisive nod. “She’s right. If you need me, I’ll march beside you.”
Jared was moved. “Should the need arise, I’ll find you, my friend.”
Jared would rather not steal Kishor’s time. The man and Alice had only just mended their hearts, they deserved quiet days together. Besides, Jared had never truly intended to treat Kishor like a servant, promises made in desperation should never become chains.
