Jane thought it was an ordinary evening.
She came home later than usual, arms full of papers and lesson plans, shoulders aching pleasantly from a long day of teaching. When she unlocked the apartment door, she immediately noticed something was… different.
The lights were dimmed.
Soft music hummed faintly through the room—old, gentle, something Levi favored. The air smelled warm, familiar, and comforting.
"Levi?" Jane called.
"In here," Levi answered.
Jane stepped inside and stopped.
The apartment had been transformed. Candles floated gently in the air, their flames steady and calm. The small table by the window was set neatly, two plates already prepared. Outside, the city glowed quietly beneath the night sky.
Levi stood near the window, her back to Jane.
She wore simple clothes, nothing regal—but there was a nervous tension in her posture Jane had only ever seen once before, right before battle.
"Is something wrong?" Jane asked softly.
Levi turned.
For a moment, she said nothing. Gold eyes searched Jane's face as if memorizing her all over again.
"No," Levi said. "Nothing is wrong."
She stepped closer.
"For eighteen centuries," Levi began, voice steady but low, "I ruled. I fought. I lost. I survived when I should not have." She hesitated, then reached into her pocket.
Jane's heart skipped.
"I thought power was purpose," Levi continued. "That duty was love." She met Jane's eyes. "You taught me I was wrong."
Levi opened her hand.
Resting in her palm was a ring—not extravagant, not ancient. Simple. Carefully made. A thin band etched with tiny runes that glowed faintly, warm rather than bright.
"I don't have a kingdom anymore," Levi said. "But I have a life. A home. And you."
She lowered herself slowly, carefully, one knee touching the floor.
Jane's breath caught.
"Jane Elion," Levi said softly, "will you stay with me? Not as a queen or a savior—but as my partner. My choice. My future."
Jane stared at her, stunned.
Then she laughed softly—and started crying.
"Levi…" Jane whispered.
Instead of answering immediately, Jane stepped back.
"I—wait," she said quickly. "Don't move."
Levi blinked, confused, still kneeling.
Jane disappeared into the bedroom and returned moments later, holding something wrapped in cloth.
"I was going to wait," Jane said, voice shaking. "But… I think today's better."
She unfolded the cloth.
Inside was a pendant—sleek, beautifully crafted—half spellwork, half technology. At its center a stabilized crystal glowed, pulsing gently.
"It's a suppressor and amplifier," Jane explained. "It hides your demon aura completely—but if you ever need your power, it won't block you." Her voice softened. "I made it for you. So you don't have to keep pretending."
Levi's eyes widened.
"You… made this for me?"
Jane nodded. "Because I don't want you to disappear to stay safe."
Silence fell between them.
Then Levi stood, hands trembling as she took the pendant—and then the ring.
She slid the ring onto Jane's finger.
Jane placed the pendant around Levi's neck.
They laughed softly, foreheads touching, tears mixing freely.
"So," Jane said, voice warm. "Is that a yes?"
Levi kissed her—slow, sure, full of promise.
"Yes," Levi whispered against her lips. "Always."
Outside, the city continued on, unaware.
Inside, two survivors chose each other.
Not because the world was safe.
But because love was worth the risk.
Thank you for reading my novel