Extra's POV: My Obsessive Villainous Fiancee Is The Game's Final Boss

The underground bathhouse was quiet, save for the low trickle of water from the steaming pools.

The air was warm, scented faintly of minerals, and the flickering lanternlight painted soft shadows across the tiled walls.

Ren sat on the edge of one of the shallow pools, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. The warm water lapped at his boots, with Myra's sword, now his, resting against the wall and within reach.

Across from him, Lilith sat in the pool itself, the water rising to her collarbone. Her hair was damp, clinging to her shoulders, her eyes distant and her expression blank.

She'd been silent for most of the time they'd been here. Still processing.

Ren finally broke the silence. "You're still thinking about what I told you."

Lilith's eyes shifted to him, her expression changing to one of confusion, with traces of surprise.

"It's not something you just… let go of, Ren. They..." she stopped, her fingers curling under the water.

"They altered my Gift before I was even born. They made me unstable on purpose. Every time I felt like I was losing myself... every time my emotions spiraled... I thought it was just me. But it was them. They wanted me to become a monster."

Ren leaned forward further, his voice reassuring. "Then we'll make them regret it. I don't care who the Three are or how far I have to go," his hand tightened into a fist, "I will find a way to burn out every chain they've put on you. No matter the cost."

"And when this is done... they won't be leaving this world alive."

For a moment, her hard mask softened. She reached across the water, her fingers brushing against his wrist. "You mean that?"

Ren met her eyes without hesitation. "Every word."

They sat in silence after that, each one enjoying the company of the other.

The door to the bathhouse creaked open, and Thorn slipped inside, his cloak damp from the misty underground tunnels.

His boots were silent on the tiles as he approached, his eyes scanning the corners of the room before he crouched beside them.

"I've been all over the outer and middle market districts." He began without preamble. "They've plastered our faces everywhere. Posters with approximate drawings of what we look like and detailed descriptions."

"And it's not just for soldiers. Civilians are being promised rewards. Coins, supplies, even access to the lower layers, if they capture or turn us in."

Lilith's brows knitted. "That means even the beggars will be watching for us."

Thorn nodded grimly. "Not just them. The independent ones like us who took the exams to get in, the mercenaries, hunters, freelancers, they're all going to be after us too. Anyone who wants to score points with the Wardens or get rich quick is going to see us as walking paydays."

Ren exhaled slowly, already calculating and positioning assets in his mind. "And the soldiers?"

"They're everywhere." Thorn replied. "Checkpoints at every major street. Patrols in the alleys. They've even pulled Knights from the deeper layers to bolster the garrisons here. Getting out right now would be suicide."

The warm air of the bathhouse suddenly felt like it was cold, trying to strangle them if all hope. Ren rubbed at his jaw, considering their options.

Lilith shifted in the water. "So we're trapped."

"Not trapped." Ren corrected. "Not yet. From the way I see it, we're in hiding. We just need to wait for the right opening."

Thorn tilted his head. "And when exactly do you think that will be?"

Ren leaned back, letting the warmth soak into him as he laid it out. "The Blurred Man told me his army was coming. He didn't seem like the type to bluff about something like that."

"When they hit Carthage, everything will be chaos. The Wardens will be too busy holding the city together to keep their net tight around us. More soldiers would be called to join the fighting, and less attention would be placed on us. Even the independents would be recruited to protect Carthage."

"And that's when we make our move. In their moment of distraction, we head straight for the Primordial Flame."

Lilith studied him, water rippling around her as she shifted closer. "You're sure about this?"

Ren's eyes locked with hers. "The only way we're getting to the Flame is through a distraction big enough to tear their attention away from us. That's what this army will give us. We just have to survive until then."

Thorn frowned, clearly not thrilled. "And if this army never comes?"

"It will. But if it doesn't...," Ren smirked faintly, "then we improvise."

The three of them fell into silence again, each lost in thought. The faint drip of water from the pipes above seemed louder now.

Finally, Lilith spoke. "If we're going to hole up here, we need to make sure no one stumbles on this place."

Thorn nodded. "Already working on it. I've blocked the side entrances and left false trails in the tunnels. Unless someone already knows we're here, they won't find us."

Ren gave a short nod of approval. "Good. Then we wait. Eat, rest, sharpen our swords and knives. When the chaos starts, we'll be ready to move."

Lilith stared at him with love in her eyes, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Despite everything that was going on around them, there was something reassuring in seeing Ren calmly take charge. Then, without warning, she spoke, her voice filled with the emotions in her heart.

"Ren… I love you."

Ren blinked, caught off guard by the sudden profession of love. She didn't look away, her eyes locked on him with an intensity that made his chest tighten.

"Not just because you saved me, or because you stood by me when no one else did. I love you for who you are. For the way you look at me like I'm not broken. Like I'm worth saving."

For a moment, Ren didn't answer. He just studied her, committing every part of her to memory. Then, slowly, a smile appeared on his lips.

"I love you too, Lilith." He whispered to her. "Not because of what you can do, or what you've been through, but because you're you. Fierce, stubborn, terrifying at times… and somehow, you still make me want to fight harder than I ever have before."

Lilith's eyes glistened faintly as she smiled. She leaned forward, pressing her forehead to his.

From his place near the wall, Thorn let out a long, exaggerated sigh.

"Great. Fantastic. Just what I needed. A front row seat to a love story while I'm stuck here being the third wheel. I wonder when my turn's gonna come. Then I'll be able to rub it in your faces."

Ren chuckled under his breath, not looking away from Lilith. "You'll find someone, Thorn."

Thorn grunted. "At this rate, I'll be old and gray before that happens."

Lilith smirked. "Don't worry. We'll make sure to embarrass you when it does."

Thorn groaned and turned away, muttering, "Can't wait."

But despite his grumbling, there was a faint smile on his face.

A war might be coming, but this was not their first war.