Path of the Unmentioned: The Missing Piece
Chapter 185: Back at the Academy [1]

Chapter 185: Back at the Academy [1]

Kyle lay sprawled across his bed, staring at the ceiling.

The soft evening light came in through the curtains, painting everything in shades of orange and gold.

Beside him, curled up in a small ball of black fur. Zalrielle—now called Mochi, purred quietly.

Her tail moved now and then, flicking lazily against the bed.

From the kitchen. He could hear the steady sound of chopping and the occasional loud clatter of metal.

Seraphina had taken over cooking, which was usually his job. Aurelia was helping, though calling it "helping" was generous.

Kyle wasn’t sure if almost setting the kitchen on fire counted as real help. But he appreciated the thought.

Still. There was something between them. Not anger exactly, just a quiet tension.

Aurelia had already told Seraphina it wasn’t her fault. No one could’ve guessed that the hospital. Even with such high security, would be attacked.

But guilt didn’t listen to reason. It stuck around, even when you knew better.

Kyle sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

His thoughts drifted again to him.

’Vesper.’

His fingers curled into the sheets. He remembered that awful domain.

The vines choking him, wrapping around his body like snakes.

And Vesper’s eyes. That cold, greedy look, like Kyle was some prize to be taken.

"The demons you fear? They’re just the beginning. What’s coming will wipe them away, same as it will your kind."

The words echoed in his head.

What did that even mean?

And then there was the other figure. The one in the hood. The one who’d sliced through Vesper’s domain like it was made of paper. Who were they? Why had they helped him?

None of this was part of the original story. Demons were supposed to be the final threat. The biggest danger.

But now it felt like there was something much deeper. Something darker.

He let out a sharp breath and rubbed his face with both hands.

"What a messed-up world this is."

Mochi opened one golden eye and stared at him. Like she was judging him for saying something so obvious.

Then came a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," Kyle called, sitting up a little.

The door opened, and Aurelia walked in carefully. Holding a tray of food like it might explode if she tilted it the wrong way.

Behind her. Seraphina came in carrying a pitcher of water and two glasses.

"You’re supposed to be resting," Aurelia said firmly.

"I am resting," Kyle said, waving a hand at the bed. "This is peak relaxation right here."

Aurelia didn’t reply. She placed the tray on his lap with a kind of focus that told him she had definitely practiced this move in her head.

The food smelled amazing. A hot, stew with warm bread on the side.

Seraphina poured him a glass of water and handed it to him. Her pink eyes looked over his face. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I got hit by a truck," Kyle said, picking up the spoon. "But better than yesterday."

Aurelia crossed her arms and gave him a look. "You’re not eating fast enough."

Kyle blinked. "It’s been two seconds."

Aurelia snatched the spoon from his hand.

"Wha—hey—"

"Open."

He stared at her. "Seriously?"

She didn’t even flinch.

With a heavy sigh. Kyle gave in and opened his mouth, letting her feed him like some spoiled prince.

Seraphina stood nearby, biting her lip. Clearly trying not to laugh.

"You’re enjoying this," Kyle mumbled between bites.

"Maybe a little," she said with a small smile.

The stew was delicious. Warm and full of flavor, with just the right amount of spice. Kyle hadn’t realized how hungry he was until the food hit his tongue.

"You’re a good cook," he said, mouth still half full.

Seraphina smiled, just a bit. "I know."

Aurelia didn’t say anything. Just kept feeding him like it was her personal mission to make sure he finished every last bite.

By the time the tray was empty. Kyle leaned back, feeling like he had eaten enough for two people.

"I think I gained five pounds," he muttered.

Seraphina picked up the empty dishes. "I’ll take my leave now. Rest well, Kyle."

Her quarter was just next to Aurelia’s and his. She had just turned to leave when a chime rang through the apartment.

The doorbell.

Aurelia frowned. "Who’s visiting this late?"

"I’ll check," Seraphina said. setting the tray on a side table.

Kyle heard the soft creak of the front door opening.

Voices followed, muffled, low. A few seconds later. Seraphina stepped aside, letting two familiar figures walk in.

Anastasia and Eleanora.

Anastasia looked as calm and elegant as ever. Her long black hair fell over one shoulder, and her deep red eyes were sharp, always watching.

Eleanora stood quietly beside her. She said nothing at first. But her crimson eyes quickly found Kyle. And something gentle flickered in them before she looked away.

"Kyle," Anastasia said, walking closer. "We heard about the attack."

Eleanora followed, her voice soft. "Are you alright?"

Kyle stared. He didn’t expect them to show up, not this late.

"I’m okay now," he said. Shifting a little in bed.

Anastasia’s lips curved up slightly. "Sounds like you."

Eleanora stepped closer. Her eyes still on him like she was checking for any missed wounds.

"You really okay?"

"Yeah," Kyle said simply.

But she didn’t seem convinced. Her fingers moved slightly. Like she wanted to reach out, say something more. But she held back.

For a while, everyone just sat.

Anastasia spoke quietly with Aurelia near the corner of the room.

Seraphina leaned against the wall, arms crossed, her gaze relaxed.

Eleanora stayed close to Kyle. But she didn’t say much. Every now and then. Her eyes drifted to him, then away again.

It was calm. Almost peaceful. Like things were normal again, even if just for a few minutes.

But the thoughts still lingered in Kyle’s mind.

Who was Vesper?

What did he mean by something worse than the demon war?

And the hooded figure. Who were they, really? Why help him?

Kyle didn’t have the answers.

So for now. He let it go.

Let himself breathe.

Let himself just exist in this quiet space. with people who cared about him.

Zalrielle purred beside him. A soft, steady sound of agreement.

———