The moment the shadow slipped through the trees outside the cottage, Liora's heart jumped.
Three armored figures—more Church knights, no doubt—advanced cautiously, weapons drawn. They weren't expecting a demon prince lying beside a human witch. But Liora didn't care.
Her hands shook slightly as she gripped a small crystal amulet. She had never used it like this before. Never in such desperation.
"Cairis," she whispered, voice low but trembling. "I… I might have to—"
"Do it," he said, crimson eyes fixed on her. "I trust you."
She blinked. "…You trust me?"
He tilted his head. "Of course. You're mine. I wouldn't let you risk yourself alone."
Her stomach twisted. "…That doesn't make this any less insane."
Cairis smirked faintly, though his injuries still showed. "…Insanity is a matter of perspective."
Liora closed her eyes. Her hands glowed faintly, light spilling across the wooden floor. She whispered the incantation her grandmother had taught her, words she had never thought she'd use.
The moment she did, a force erupted around the house.
The walls shimmered. The air hummed. The ground shook.
The knights froze, eyes wide. They could feel the magic, ancient and powerful, washing over them like a tidal wave.
"Impossible…" one whispered.
Cairis's crimson eyes widened slightly—not in fear, but in fascination. "…So the rumors were true," he murmured. "…The last witch…" His gaze flicked to her, lingering far too long. "…has finally awakened."
Liora's amulet flared brighter. Her magic wasn't fully under control. The force of it rippled outward, shaking the trees, rattling the cottage.
One knight raised his sword, trembling. "We… we can't…"
Cairis stepped forward, bloodied but steady. He placed a hand near Liora, and instantly the magic seemed to calm around them.
"…Your magic is impressive," he said softly, almost in awe. "…and terrifying."
Liora swallowed, chest heaving. "…I… I didn't mean for this…"
He leaned closer, voice low and dangerous. "…Do you know what this means?"
"What?" she whispered.
"You just revealed yourself to me. Completely. And now…" He brushed a finger lightly against her wrist, not enough to touch fully, but enough for her to feel the heat of him through the magic. "…I know exactly how dangerous you are."
Her heart skipped. "…I'm not dangerous…"
"You are," he said softly, crimson eyes locking onto hers. "…And I love it."
The knights, frozen and terrified, slowly backed away. The spell of Liora's magic—and Cairis's presence—was enough to make them flee.
As the last knight disappeared into the forest, Cairis straightened, still watching her with that unnerving intensity.
"…Your power reacts to me," he observed, voice low, almost teasing. "Interesting. Very interesting."
Liora's stomach twisted. "…What do you mean 'reacts'?"
"You feel it," he said. "…When I'm near, your magic stirs. Like it knows you're supposed to protect me. Or maybe… like it wants to follow me."
She swallowed hard, every nerve in her body screaming. "…That's impossible."
He smiled faintly, dangerous and slow. "…Nothing about you is impossible, witch. Nothing."
Liora's cheeks burned. "…You really are insane."
"And yet," he whispered, stepping closer, "…you saved me. And now I won't let anyone touch you."
Her hands twitched involuntarily. She could feel the magic thrumming inside her chest. Her power was awakening in ways she had never imagined.
Cairis watched her, eyes dark and sharp. "…I could watch you panic all day. Or," he said, voice lowering almost to a growl, "…I could make sure no one ever does."
Liora's stomach churned. "…You're terrifying."
"I know," he said simply, leaning just slightly closer. "…And you love it."
She tried to step back, but the force of the magic seemed to tether them together. Her heartbeat raced—not just from fear, but from something else. Something she wasn't ready to admit.
Then, from the corner of her vision, movement.
Another shadow. Faster. Closer. Too close.
"…Someone else," she whispered.
Cairis's crimson eyes flared. He stepped in front of her, body tense, injuries forgotten. "…You were right," he said. "…Another threat."
He extended a hand, and the air around it shimmered. "…But no one touches you. Not while I'm here."
The shadow lunged through the window—too fast for the eye to track.
Cairis's voice was sharp, commanding, and terrifying:
"Stay behind me, witch. This ends now."
Liora felt her magic flare uncontrollably. The forest outside shuddered.
And then… the intruder revealed themselves.