The celestial hall was far too serious for my taste: endless columns, golden clouds, and a silence that crushed everything. Ugh.
I stood in the middle, arms crossed and head held high. My cheeks still burned a little. Why did they have to summon me right now? I wanted to be watching Ren!
In front of me, the other gods and guardians stared with cold eyes from each of their thrones.
—"Purin," a deep voice rumbled through the entire place. "You have broken the rules; you have intervened too much in the mortal world."
—"So what?" I replied immediately, puffing out my cheeks. "That world has become more fun thanks to me!"
A murmur ran through the hall; some looked at me with disdain.
—"The mortal world is not for amusement," spoke another voice, sharper. "You've attached yourself to a human, Mizuno Ren, and marked him with your blessing. Don't you understand your actions upset the balance?"
I felt a sting in my chest, but I refused to lower my gaze.
—"Ren is mine!" I shouted, and the echo spread everywhere. "He's wonderful, more than you imagine, and that's why I've given him my blessing!"
A couple of gods chuckled under their breath.
—"Look at her, so spoiled, always the same…"
—"She thinks she owns a mortal…"
I clenched my fists.
—"It's not whim. Without him I…!" I stopped for a second with a lump in my throat.
The main god, the one with the deep voice, leaned forward.
—"Purin, if you continue with this stubbornness, there will be consequences. And not just for you… also for him."
My eyes widened. Heat rushed to my face.
—"Don't you dare!" I shouted. "If you touch him, I'll tear you to pieces!"
The murmur swelled. Some gods laughed, others called me reckless.
I took a deep breath. I knew if I stayed another second in this place they'd try to imprison me… or something worse.
I straightened up, lifted my chin, and spoke clearly:
—"You don't know Ren, and I'm going to protect him. So don't you dare provoke me!"
The main god opened his mouth to respond, but I didn't let him finish.
—"And I'm not going to wait for you to decide my punishment!" I said with a defiant smile.
And before anyone could move, I turned and walked firmly toward the exit.
Just after stepping out, I murmured to myself:
—"Ren… wait for me, I'll protect you."