The cobblestone streets of the village were just beginning to warm with the first light of morning, yet the square remained heavy with silence. The scent of the dry earth was sharp, the wind teasing the leaves of the trees with soft rustles. But most importantly, everyone in the square could sense that something was different.
Zeythara and Kaelric walked side by side. Their bodies were different: Zeythara now occupied Elenor's body. Once timid and weak, Elenor's form now carried a posture that was upright, confident, and defiant. Kaelric, meanwhile, was in Kol's body—a body of a harsh, domineering man, tempered now with Kaelric's intelligence and fearlessness.
The crowd still expected the old behaviors of Kol and Elenor. But the brief glances, the subtle gestures, whispered that something had changed.
Zeythara smirked and leaned close to Kaelric, whispering with a teasing edge:
"All eyes are on us… see who's watching?"
Kaelric's lips curved slightly in acknowledgment. In a low, controlled voice, he whispered back:
"I see it, and I don't understand—why would any man watch another when a woman is present?"
A flicker of amusement and mischief lit Zeythara's eyes.
"I know, I wonder the same. Women are best, but I must admit—you're not bad… for a man."
Kaelric cast a sideways glance at her and offered a quiet, knowing smile. He had caught her playful jab, but his control remained intact.
In the middle of the square, the tall and charismatic Rovan stood. His interest in Kol's body was obvious; he could not hide it in his gaze or posture. Yet the men around him muttered disapprovingly, exchanging glances:
"Interest in a man… how unusual."
"Can this even happen? Surprising."
Kaelric noticed Rovan's gaze and recoiled slightly in disgust.
Zeythara leaned close, her voice low but teasing:
"But is it wrong for him to feel something? I say… let him respond."
Kaelric's eyes flicked to Zeythara. He placed a hand on her waist and drew her slightly closer, lips curving:
"I only care for women. If you want, I can show just how much I care—no one here would mind. Look around—people are brazenly entangled all over the place."
Zeythara tried to pull back, but he held firm.
"Relax. It's just a joke."
Rovan called, stepping forward:
"Kaelric, how are you?"
"None of your concern," Kaelric snapped. "Don't insult me."
Rovan smirked, unbothered:
"I like this attitude. Negative and positive attract," he said with a wink.
"Flirting with my… spouse?" Kaelric's tone was sharp.
"When did women stop speaking when men talk?" Zeythara replied smoothly.
"I speak when I choose, and in a society ready to lynch you at any moment, I suggest you behave."
Rovan leaned in slightly, speaking just loudly enough for Zeythara and Kaelric to hear:
"Oh darling, do you know how many men would love to touch these hips? Not everyone is uncomfortable… some are enjoying it," he said, then stepped back.
The square was no longer silent. All eyes were on them. A quiet alliance had formed between Kaelric and Zeythara: clever, teasing, and in unspoken coordination, managing the tension of everyone watching.
Zeythara bit her lip and whispered softly:
"Maybe stand a little closer… don't upset the admirer."
Kaelric tilted his head slightly, his voice low but serious:
"Stop joking."
The square had fully awakened now. Men and women alike noticed the changes. The silent, teasing, and intelligent alliance between Zeythara and Kaelric dictated the tension of the square.
And so, the true game of the day began.