Hero of Darkness

After Kahn heard the words from the Raven Sorceress, a look of curiosity and also surprise appeared on his countenance. 

"You're just a first stage saint, what can you do?" asked Kahn as he found her claims illogical. 

"I know it will take time but I will reclaim everything that's mine, one at a time. 

Now that I have seen that even my family or blood relatives can't be trusted… There's no reason for me to be thoughtful about it. 

When the time is right, I will reveal my rank. 

And as I rise higher in ranks as well as my importance becomes clear to my clan and faction, I will take down all those bastards by myself from the inside. 

If I don't get my revenge on all those who wronged me and traded me like an object… I don't think I'll be able to live with myself and the person I will become if I let this go." she spoke in a vehement tone. 

After he heard her explanation… Kahn came to accept her reason. Just like him, Kassandra had her pride and way of thinking. 

After her whole life was turned upside down and every notion of belief she had about the world and her family shattered… there was bound to be bitterness in her heart. 

And just like Kahn, she clearly wasn't a forgiving type of person who would let this matter go with her clan and the Neutral Faction who forced her to sell off her body just to gain get Kahn on their side. 

"It's no longer about wanting to become powerful to get my parent's approval or living up to the Mikealson clan's reputation. Rather… I want to become stronger because I don't want to be at someone's mercy ever again." said Kassandra with eyes full of resolution. 

Kahn nodded in approval after seeing her resolve. Because he too had the same reasons to become strong till now. 

And with the transformed soul, Kassandra of now actually had the potential to quickly rise in ranks and levels unlike other saints. 

The more she ranked up, the stronger her soul will become by manyfolds. Thus making her many times more powerful than others of the same rank. 

Plus she can also absorb mana very faster than others since her soul and physiology now changed a lot. 

She was aiming for the pinnacle for her own sake now. 

"Alright. I guess that you have convinced me. But if you're forced into marriage again… you must run away." he said. 

"Don't worry… I have very high standards set for my life partner now." replied the Raven Sorceress with a slight smirk. 

As for Kahn, who wanted to take her with him and protect her... But now her powers returned and she even exceeded herself of the past… it was better this way because her life won't be at risk just because of his identity as the Hero of Darkness. 

His battles were his own and there was no point in risking Kassandra's life just so he could have a female companion on his journey. 

She now had the chance to turn her life around and live on her own terms. 

And Kassandra was her own woman. She had ambitions of her own and a life she wanted to build for herself. 

So Kahn obviously respected her decision to stay. Because she also did it so that his plans won't be seen through by the three noble factions until he was out of the empire.

"I guess this settles everything. I'm happy for you." said Kahn as he felt joy and relief in his heart because Kassandra regained control over her fate now. 

"I need to go now. I hope you get to exact your revenge. I don't know if we will meet ever again… so this could be the last time we see each other." spoke Kahn with a somber expression. 

To his words, Kassandra's face suddenly turned sullen but she tried to quickly hide it with a smile. 

"Goodbye… and stay alive." said Kassandra in a stern tone that masked her unwillingness. 

The dark clouds in the sky moved and bright moonlight covered their figures. 

A gust of wind fluttered their clothes as a man in a black and gray longcoat had his back faced towards the woman in a black battlemage attire. 

"Ah fuck…" said Kahn to himself as he suddenly stopped in his steps. 

[System. Temporarily sever all connections with everyone. No one can see or sense anything from inside of me.] he ordered so Rudra and Rathnaar couldn't see or hear anything about what he was about to do. 

A sense of loss suddenly hit him and finally, he understood why he came this far for Kassandra and wanted to take her with him. 

He quickly turned around and looked towards the Raven Sorceress. 

Shock! 

But at the moment, Kassandra's figure had completely disappeared from the spot and Kahn failed to notice her presence as if she was never here in the first place. 

Kahn then turned back his head as he originally was but before he could react… 

Kassandra was already present behind him and without giving him a chance to speak… 

She grabbed Kahn by the collar and pulled him close to her face… 

Smooch! 

Kassandra kissed Kahn on his lips out of nowhere without any forewarning or explanation. 

She gently kissed him as if this was the last time she would have the chance to do that. 

After 20 seconds, she finally let go of him and their lips parted ways. 

"I'm sorry… I got carried away. 

But it's also your fault for being clueless." said Kassandra with a red tinge on her cheeks. 

"I'm the one who should be sorry." replied Kahn… the dumbass who finally managed to connect the dots and make sense of Kassandra's feelings throughout their conversation. 

"Why?" asked Kassandra as he felt like she did something that she couldn't go back from. 

"Because I'm a guy… and you're doing my part." 

Said Kahn and pulled her in his embrace as both of them locked lips again, but this time… it was filled with passion. 

As the cold breeze passed by, black silhouettes of a man and a woman under the bright moonlight embracing each other came to be. 

For both Kahn and Kassandra… this was the night of… 

The First Kiss.