Page 221 of Celestial Combat

My heart slammed. Zane froze, blood draining from his face in real time.

“What?” he breathed, disbelief and fury warring in his eyes.

Akihiko leaned forward, speaking through clenched teeth. “I should’ve killed you and Ivanova along with your traitor mother!”

Stole my breath.

“She was going to run away… With Ivanova.”

Akihiko didn’t acknowledge me, his attention solely on Zane. “You don’t do that to a man with power.”

Hisgaze shifted to me, dark and venomous.

“And you,” he spat, voice dripping hatred, “Hiroshi and Tao should’ve ended your bloodline like they were meant to.”

My stomach twisted.

Zane’s fist collided with Akihiko’s jaw. The sound cracked through the blood-scented air.

“Who do you work for?” Zane demanded, voice low steel.

“Fuck y–”

Aguttural scream erupted as Zane’s dagger drove into his side, inches from his heart. Blood welled across his tailored suit.

Zane leaned in, dagger still buried. “An inch to the side and you’re dead.”

“I’m dead either way,” Akihiko rasped, pain twisting his voice.

“You’d rather die painfully and dissembled?”

Five painful stabs later,Akihiko coughed – livid, scarlet droplets across the floor. He looked from Zane to me, eyes haunted.

“I know no names,” he croaked. “Just… A man from South America. He’s hiring anybody willing. Lot of money. To erase all of the big families.”

Every word struck like lead. I glanced at Zane – eyes cold.

“We’ll find him,” He said quietly.

Akihiko’s final gasp echoed like a departure bell. “He’s closer than you think.”

Silence settled over the shattered elegance of the VIP room.

Thesky was a wash of soft silver and pale lavender when we arrived at the burial park. The trees were still dripping dew, their leaves glistening in the early morning light, and the quiet hum of wind moved through the grounds like a breath withheld. Every stone marker stood respectfully in place, brushed by moss, edged in petals that had fallen from nearby cherry blossom trees still clinging to the end of their bloom.

The path crunched beneath our steps as we walked hand in hand, each movement slow, measured. The world felt wrapped in hush – like even the birds knew to stay quiet this morning.

We reached the small, polished marker nestled in a carefully tended garden. It was set beneath a low pine, surrounded by marigolds, white lilies, and fresh-cut peonies. At its base, a delicate porcelain urn rested with her name etched into its curved side. Yui Takashi.

Zane stopped. His hand didn’t tremble, but I felt something inside him tighten. I let go only to step forward, bowing low at the waist, hands at my sides.

“Yui,” I said softly, almost breathless, “I’m Kali. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Silence followed. Not the kind that presses – this one let the morning light in, warm on our skin, soft on the grass around our feet.

Zane stood without a word, eyes fixed on the urn. His jaw clenched, nostrils flaring. Then he turned his head quickly to the side, pretending to scan the horizon – but I felt the pain in his eyes before he looked away.

I slipped my arm through his and leaned into him, letting my body guide his. I didn’t speak. Didn’t need to. Just rested my head against his shoulder.

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