The Last Step-Chapter 70: Heartbreak Part 3

----- Build Me back? -----

3:28 PM - Village of love, other side stalls.

As we returned to the village, something about the air felt different. The wind carried laughter, distant music fluttered like warm petals in spring, and dozens of vibrant stalls had popped up like wildflowers—each one colorful and shimmering under the mellow golden sun.

Travelers, merchants, and adventurers bustled through the street, their cloaks swaying as children tugged along their parents, cheeks flushed with festival joy.

The Eternal Match Festival.

They said that on this day, fated lovers could meet. That the winds of destiny would guide hearts together like stars drawn to collide. Stupid, right? I should've rolled my eyes. Should've scoffed and called it superstition. But instead... I looked at him.

Kaiser was walking beside me, completely unfazed by the crowd—he always walked like he belonged everywhere, even in places built on dreams.

How could anyone else call themselves lucky to find their "soulmate" today, when I was already walking next to mine?

But...

But why weren't the villagers staring at me? Why weren't they whispering things behind my back like they always do? No glares, no mutters of "monster," no mothers dragging their children away when I passed.

My eyes shifted back to Kaiser.

He caught me.

"What is it, Celia?" he asked, voice warm, gentle.

"I—I umm... n-nothing," I stuttered, turning away instantly. My voice cracked like an idiot. Why did I have to sound so suspiciously awkward?

Kaiser smirked.

He took my hand casually, leading me through the crowd, away from the lanterns and loud voices, toward a more quiet corner near the garden walls where only a few people passed.

"Now tell me," he said, his voice soft but steady, like I couldn't lie to it even if I tried.

I swallowed.

"I... I was just wondering..."

"Wondering about?"

"I was just... I don't understand why people aren't scared of me right now," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tilted his head, curious.

"What makes you think they'd be scared?"

"I... it's how I look. You know..." I hesitated.

He didn't speak. He just let me talk. It made it worse and better at the same time.

"My red eyes... my white hair... it's always made people hate me. They say I look cursed. Inhuman. A monster. That... that I shouldn't be alive."

I couldn't look up. The shame crawled up my throat like old vines, choking me.

"I... I just don't understand... why they aren't trying to hurt me. It feels so... different..." My voice cracked again. My hands trembled.

"Because people in the past have always called me a disgusting monster... that I... I..."

I felt tears forming, memories crashing over me like dark waves.

"That I... should die—"

His finger touched my chin.

He lifted my face gently, forcing me to look into his eyes. And just like that—everything stopped. My heart, the breeze, the pain.

"Celia," he whispered, "you're more beautiful than you think you are. If I could, I'd stare into your eyes for the rest of eternity. Because you're the best part of my day."

My lips parted.

"Y-you... you..."

"I'd become insane if I couldn't," he smiled, thumb brushing my cheek.

I couldn't breathe.

I couldn't even think.

I just wanted to cry. I wanted to hug him, fall into his chest and disappear there. I wanted to disappear in him.

"Do... you mean it?" I asked, voice small, eyes wet.

"I love everything about you—your smile, your eyes, and most importantly, your heart."

My heart twisted. Not in pain. In something worse. Something far more terrifying than pain.

Hope.

"So please," he continued, brushing my cheek again, "don't let your past dictate your happiness, Celia. I don't care how they treated you before you met me; I promise, every moment with me will feel like your birthday."

I wanted to collapse.

"Dummy..." I muttered, trying to turn my head away in embarrassment. But his fingers gently moved my chin back toward him.

"Don't ever cry again," he said, leaning closer, his forehead nearly touching mine, "Until I put you back together. Those others? They're just liars, bad people. I'm the only one you'll ever need, okay?"

He pulled back slowly, still smiling.

"Because over everything—I choose you."

I stood frozen, unable to move, unable to breathe. He stepped back, giving me space, like he didn't just set my entire soul on fire.

"You don't have to say anything back," he added. "Just stay here, okay? I'll get you some water."

And then, just like that... he was gone. He walked into the crowd, weaving between laughing couples and stalls.

And I...

I stood there.

My hands clenched against my chest.

Why... why did it feel like he took something from me with him?

He's... so perfect... he makes me so happy...

It's terrifying—how much I feel when I look at him. That face... those eyes... like they were art. His smile shouldn't exist, not in a world like this, but it does. For me.

You're my first love and you'll be my only love... because nobody else can ever make me happy like you do. And I won't let them try.

I took a breath, deep and trembling, trying to slow my heart before it cracked open in front of him. Not now. I had to stay normal. Normal was safe. Normal kept him close.

Wait...

Maybe the villagers didn't mind me... because I was with Kaiser? Just like Levi and Emma back in Levinton... they trusted me because they trusted him. That's it, right? They see him, and think—if he's by her side, she must be okay.

Is that why he brought me here?

My lips parted, a small soundless gasp.

He brought me here... so I could feel this feeling. So I could believe that not everyone would hate me. That I didn't have to be a monster forever. That maybe I deserved smiles... deserved peace.

He planned this. All of it. Just to make me happy. To heal what no one ever even tried to see.

That's why he looks at me like that. That's why he doesn't let me cry.

He's been carrying my broken pieces without me even knowing...

And as I watched him coming back—calm, warm, like nothing in this cruel world could ever make him flinch—my chest ached.

I focused on his footsteps. I had to act normal again. Just normal.

But something inside me whispered louder than ever.

I was scared of how much I loved him when we left this morning. I didn't want to admit it. I was scared it would swallow me whole.

Maybe... I just wanted to be loved without having to beg for it.

---

Kaiser and I continued walking through the crowded festival paths, lanterns swaying overhead, the air thick with scents of grilled skewers, sweet rice cakes, and fresh flowers. Children laughed in the distance, couples held hands, and musicians played soft tunes from the temple steps. It was like the whole world had decided to become beautiful just for this one day.

But not everyone was smiling.

I noticed them—adventurers, travelers, people who weren't from here. Their stares. The way their eyes narrowed when they saw me. My hair. My eyes. I could feel the judgment crawling on my skin.

But before I could shrink away or hide, Kaiser glanced at them.

No.

He glared.

And not the kind of glare that said "stop looking." It was the kind that said, "take one more step, and you won't have a tomorrow."

They turned away, muttering. None of them dared try anything.

Just being next to him... walking at his side... I couldn't breathe right. My heart—my stupid, loud heart—was pounding so hard it felt like the whole village could hear it. And I could feel the heat blooming in my cheeks again.

What's wrong with me?! Just walking next to him and I'm acting like a complete idiot!

Ugh—Celia, stop blushing, stop! WHY CAN'T I STOP.

I abruptly stopped walking and covered my face with my hands.

What is going on with me?! Why can't I get him out of my head?! He's everywhere in my thoughts—I'm not even thinking about the festival or magic or anything else! Just him... and his hands... and his voice... and his eyes and—

God. Celia. STOP!

But the warmth in my cheeks only deepened. I felt like I was about to burst.

I heard his familiar steps approaching from behind.

"Is something wrong?" Kaiser asked, voice gentle, but lined with concern.

I peeked between my fingers, slowly lowering my hands to show my bright-red face.

"What's wrong? Why are you so red?" he asked again, genuinely puzzled.

"I... I..." My words stuck in my throat. I swallowed and tried again. "I guess... let me just say it."

I took a breath and stared down at the ground. "Whenever I'm by your side... my heart rate quickens... and my face feels warmer..."

He stared at me for a moment, tilting his head slightly, clearly trying to process it.

"It looks like a lot of blood is present in those spots for some reason," he said flatly, blinking. "That's oddly weird. You're not sick, are you?"

"N-No! I'm not sick!" I snapped, embarrassed.

He stepped closer, still concerned. "Does it hurt? Do you mind if I touch it?"

Why... why does every move he makes have to be so gentle?

"E-Eh...? O-Okay..." I muttered, eyes wide.

His hand slowly reached out and brushed against my cheek.

And the moment he did—

"Mmm..." I purred softly.

What—what did I just—?!

He chuckled. Then laughed. Loudly.

"You're so cute," Kaiser said, smiling wide. "I can't stop."

My eyes flew open in horror. What. What did I just do?! My body moved on its own—I stepped back, hands raised like I was being accused of a crime.

"T-That wasn't a purr!" I shouted. "It was—just—uh—I was clearing my throat! I had dust in my mouth! From the air! From the— the STALLS!"

Kaiser raised an eyebrow. "You cleared your throat... with a cat noise?"

"N-NO—It was... just a odd sound! Look—LOOK OVER THERE!" I pointed wildly at a nearby vendor, a small booth lit with crystal orbs and mirrors, glowing in soft pink and gold. "I wanna go to that one!"

He sighed, amused. "Alright, alright. We'll go."

As we walked, he leaned in slightly.

"But just so you know... that was the cutest purr I've ever heard."

I groaned, dragging my feet toward the stall, trying to hide my face behind my hair.

I swear... I'm going to melt soon...

We arrived at the stall I had pointed to like my life depended on it—honestly, I didn't even see what was there until now.

There were... mirrors. A lot of mirrors.

Framed in polished wood, some oval, some heart-shaped, others shimmering with faint magical glows. The stall itself was draped in soft velvet cloth, faded from years on the road. Incense burned lazily from a corner holder, giving the space a strange but cozy aroma—like lavender mixed with old scrolls.

Behind it all sat an old man with a sharply twisted mustache and a long, weathered coat. He didn't look shady, exactly—but he had that look of a man who's bartered with adventurers and sweet-talked demons. The kind of merchant who's been in the trade longer than I've been alive.

His eyes sparkled with mischief as he saw us.

"Greetings, greetings, lovebirds!" he called out with way too much cheer. "Welcome to the finest matching stall this side of the village!"

"We're not a couple," Kaiser replied flatly.

"Oh, I see," the merchant said with an exaggerated nod. "Then what brings you and your lovely girlfriend here today?"

"She's not my girlfriend," Kaiser said again, with that same neutral expression he uses when threatening people.

"Ah, of course. Then what brings you and your beautiful wife here, good sir?"

"She's not my wife either," Kaiser said.

The merchant didn't even flinch. "Oh, then what brings you here with your sister—?"

"I AM NOT HIS SISTER!" I blurted out, cheeks flaring.

"She's not my sister," Kaiser added calmly, hands in his pockets.

The merchant blinked. "Then what are you two?"

"We're friends," Kaiser answered, as if stating the weather.

Friends.

I forced a smile, keeping my voice steady. I mean... he was just being honest. But hearing him say that... it hurt more than it should've than it did earlier...

"Ah, my bad, gentleman and gentlelady!" The merchant smiled as if nothing awkward just happened. "So what brings the two of you here today? I can show you some of my most valuable matches!"

"Maybe start with your name," Kaiser said, narrowing his eyes. "You look like a scammer."

The merchant looked genuinely wounded. "Excuse me?"

Of course Kaiser would know. He conned like ten people just this morning to gather enough money to fund today's festival experience—for me. He's basically a functional con artist.

"My con artist..." I mutter to myself, a little too fondly.

Kaiser turned his head. "Did you say something, Celia?"

"I-I was just wondering what he has," I deflected quickly.

The merchant clasped his hands together, then gave a small theatrical bow. "Forgive me, dear travelers! My name is Allio Crestfold. A traveling mirror merchant and soul specialist."

Soul specialist? That sounded like something made up by someone who failed magic school.

"I craft magical artifacts that can see beyond the surface—things that reflect not just your appearance, but the connections that bind your soul to others," Allio explained proudly. "For example... some of my pieces can detect if your soulmate is nearby."

My eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes indeed! Through soulline resonance. You see, everyone in this world carries a distinct soul pattern—like a melody only the universe can hear. When two people are bound by fate, their soul frequencies echo each other like harmonizing notes. My enchanted relics—like this mirror here—can pick up on that resonance when in close proximity. If there's harmony... the mirror glows. If not... it stays quiet."

"That's... amazing," I whispered, fascinated.

It sounded like something out of a fairytale. Could it really work? Did something like that actually exist?

"Can I test it?" I asked eagerly, turning to Kaiser. "Please?"

Kaiser's brow furrowed as he looked at the merchant. "No. He still looks like a scammer."

"Scammer—?! I am deeply hurt," Allio said, placing a hand to his chest like a betrayed poet.

"Kaiser, pleaaaase?" I leaned closer, blinking slowly, pouting just enough—not too much to seem fake, just enough to weaponize the softness. "Pretty please?"

He stared at me. I knew that look. The calculating one where he's trying to act immune to cuteness, like a cold-hearted being... but inside, he's already folding.

"...You're seriously adorable," he muttered under his breath. Then he sighed. "Fine. Do your little scam test."

"Great!" Allio clapped his hands. "Then to start off..."

"This mirror here can tell you your soulmate's resonance color. It'll tell how your love is like," the merchant said, gesturing toward a strange oval-shaped glass framed in soft glowing wood. It shimmered slightly in the sunlight.

"It'll tell me... whoever my soulmate is? And their color?" I asked, leaning a little closer, my eyes tracing the shimmer like it could already show me something—anything.

"Not exactly their names or anything," Allio replied, twirling the tip of his eccentric mustache. "It'll just give you a hint of their feelings. A color—representing the truth of their bond with you."

"That sounds so beautiful!" I said, eyes wide, lips curling with innocent delight.

Even though I smiled on the outside, my heart was whispering something else: If it shows black, or blue—if it's him—I want to know. I want to believe he's mine. Please let him be mine.

"Tch. This is such a scam," Kaiser muttered, arms folded as he side-eyed the mirror with complete disinterest. freewebnσvel.cøm

I turn to him with a puffed cheek, glaring slightly. "Kaiser..." I grumble with a fake pout, like I was annoyed, but really...

Of course you'd say that. You don't believe in things like this. You don't believe in fate or soulmates or hearts that ache in silence. But mine does. Mine screams for you.

Allio didn't flinch. "Seems like you, sir, don't believe in connection?"

"Not really," Kaiser said, voice flat as always. "But yeah."

No... of course he doesn't. He doesn't need to. He has me. While I'm here, he doesn't need anyone else.

"I wanna test it, Kaiser!" I said, turning to him again with hopeful eyes. "Please?"

Kaiser let out a long sigh. "I'm telling you, it's a scam, Celia."

"But it's a fun scam..." I whispered under my breath, knowing that if there was even a chance it could show me something, I had to take it.

Allio straightened up. "Sir, I've been traveling and helping others find their match for years. I'm not scamming anyone."

He raised his arms peacefully, his posture calm and practiced. "In my life and experience, I've seen countless strangers connect in strange and beautiful ways."

"Oh yeah?" Kaiser said, narrowing his eyes. "Then share your best experience."

A smirk curled on Allio's lips. "My best experience, you say? Hmm... there was one. Thirteen years ago."

He lowered his voice slightly, like a performer about to deliver a secret.

"A young man looked into this mirror, and it showed two colors. Not one. Two."

"Wait, what?" I blinked.

"What do you mean two colors? Shouldn't there be just one?" I asked, voice rising with interest.

"It should be. Always has been," Allio nodded. "But that day... it was as if the world told him he was loved by two souls at once. A rare fate—two true matches in one lifetime."

"Nice made-up story," Kaiser said flatly.

...Yeah. That can't be real.

That kind of thing... that kind of love, that kind of miracle—it's impossible. People don't get more than one person who loves them unconditionally. People don't even get one.

"I think so too..." I whispered.

My voice trembled slightly, but I masked it with a smile.

Of course, you'd never have two soulmates, Kaiser. But even if there was one... even if there was only one meant for you... I want it to be me.

Allio chuckled and rubbed his forehead. "It's alright, I can't prove it. But I can show you your color, Miss...?"

"Celia. It's just Celia," I said, trying to sound bright, even though my chest felt heavier than I wanted it to.

"Okay, Miss Celia," he smiled. "Do you want to try it?"

I turned to Kaiser, my heart thumping. He looked so indifferent, so distant, but...

...Please. Just say yes. Just once, let me chase this feeling without having to beg for it.

Kaiser looked between me and Allio, then sighed.

"Ugh, fine. Don't cry to me if it shows nothing," he said.

"Thank you!!" I beamed up at him—my cheeks warm, my smile wide.

You don't even know what this means to me, do you?

Allio handed me a smaller shard of the mirror. Its edges gleamed like it had been forged with stardust.

"So, Miss Celia," he said with a mysterious tone, "Do you want to see it privately or while we are watching?"

I glanced quickly at Kaiser, my fingers tightening around the mirror.

"P-privately..." I said, voice softer now.

"All right," Allio nodded. "Then all you need to do is hold it close to your heart, and speak these words aloud:

'Let the resonance of the soul reflect what I feel. Let this mirror show the one who was always meant for me.'"

...What a beautiful line.

I turned away from them slightly, enough so that they couldn't see the mirror. My palms trembled a bit.

Please. Please let it be him.

I pressed the mirror to my chest, the coolness of it grounding me as I whispered,

"Let the resonance of the soul reflect what I feel... Let this mirror show the one who was always meant for me."

My eyes slowly opened as I tilted the mirror toward my gaze. I held my breath.

Please... just once, let me have something.

Let it be you, Kaiser.

Let it be you.

All I want is you...

...

The mirror then showed me the color...

It was light blue.

My heart—It melted.

Could it really... be you?

I held my breath and peeked sideways, just a glance—Kaiser stood there with that neutral look again, casually chatting with Allio, paying him, eyes half-lidded like none of this meant anything to him.

But it means everything to me.

Was meeting him fate? Was all of this—that day he saved me, the time he smiled at me when I couldn't even cry, the moment he brushed my hair back and told me I wasn't alone—was it all pointing to this? Was it always him?

My fingers trembled.

No—stop it. Don't show it. Hide it. Hide it like you always do.

I quickly tucked the mirror away into my dress, fingers brushing over the fabric, pretending it was nothing.

Kaiser's voice pulled me back.

"What color was it?" he asked.

I blinked, startled. He was watching me now... wanting to know.

"I-It's... It didn't show a color," I said, forcing a light laugh, waving it off with a weak smile. "Just shiny."

Lie. Lie. Lie.

Because if I tell you... and you don't feel the same... I won't be able to live again.

"I see," he murmured, tone quiet, thoughtful. "That's unfortunate. I was hoping it would be me."

My entire body stilled.

My eyes widened and my breath caught. My hearted beated so loud I couldn't hear Allio anymore. Only him. Only that voice.

Kaiser leaned in just slightly, his lips close to my ear, and whispered—

"The only thing I wanted was you."

Everything in me broke.

He. Is. Mine.

Mine. Mine. Mine.

What did you say? Say it again. Say it again louder. Say it where everyone can hear—no, no just for me. Only me. Whisper it again, just for me.

"U-Umm, what do you mean?" I said out loud, trying to sound confused, innocent.

"I meant nothing," he said, shaking his head gently. "Forget it for now."

No. Never. I will never forget those words until I die.

Kaiser turned back to Allio. "Seems like your mirror is a scam."

Allio raised his palms defensively. "Sir, sometimes if someone doesn't have a soulmate, it doesn't show any colors... It's not my fault."

"Ugh... this scam is insane. I want my five gold back," Kaiser muttered.

"Sir... I can't refund it," Allio said nervously. "But I can let you test out your resonance for free."

Please... please... do it. I need to know. I want to see it. I want to see if it's me. If it's red. If it's burning. If you're mine too.

I turned to Kaiser, eyes wide, almost pleading. He looked at me, and I didn't hide it this time. Let him see it—just a little.

"Do you really want me to try?" he asked.

I nodded.

Please, Kaiser. Don't let me be the only one in love.

He sighed softly, then turned to Allio with that calm, unreadable face.

"Fine. Test mine as well. I don't need to do it privately."

Allio smiled with relief. "Then sir, just say the following words to the mirror: 'O mirror of fate and longing soul, Reveal the hue of heart I hold. From threads unseen, let truth arise—Show the one who shares my life.'"

Kaiser nodded.

My knees weakened.

He stepped closer to the large mirror behind Allio. The glass shimmered like starlight on still water.

Please... please... please...

I stared at it so hard it hurt. My nails dug into my palms behind my back. The blue still lingered in my pocket, like a promise. But

I needed red.

Red for passion.

Red for belonging.

Red for madness.

Red for me.

Red. Red. Red.

If it shows anything but red—if I see green or yellow or gods forbid pink—I will break this mirror with my bare hands.

I'll kill whoever it says. I swear I will. I'll find her and make her vanish.

Kaiser stepped forward slowly. His eyes focused on the mirror, posture calm, voice soft but firm.

"O mirror of fate and longing soul..."

Please...

"Reveal the hue of heart I hold..."

Red... give me red... crimson, scarlet, anything...

"From threads unseen, let truth arise—"

I'll tear them apart myself if I have to. I'll burn them. Rip their hearts out.

"Show the one who shares my skies."

Show me. Show me. SHOW ME.

My eyes were wide, breath shallow, heart clawing inside my ribs.

Please.

Be red.

Be red for me.

Only me.

Only...

Me.

...

My heart dropped.

The mirror... it changed...

It showed... Red.

It shimmered first—glowed at the bottom right like it had been waiting.

Then—

Pink.

A softer glow just beside it, bleeding warmth like a lover's sigh.

And then—no—what the hell is this?

Green. Gold. Blue. Yellow. White. Purple.

What. The. Hell.

No.

No.

Red is mine. Red is me. The others... Who the hell are they. They shouldn't even exist. Who are they? Why are they showing up next to what's mine?

Who. The hell. Do they think they are?

I will find them.

I will rip each of their heart's out if necessary.

He is not theirs. He's not anyone else's. He's mine.

Allio gasped like his lungs forgot how to work. He stumbled backward and collapsed into his stall, mouth agape, eyes bulging, as if he'd just witnessed a divine anomaly.

Even I... almost lost balance. My legs gave in for a second, and I had to grab the edge of the stall to hold myself up.

Kaiser looked at the mirror with a smirk tugging the edge of his lips, hands casually in his pockets.

"Oh look, how interesting. I have seven soulmates."

His voice—so calm, so amused. Like this was funny to him. Like I wasn't dying inside.

"What does that even mean?" Kaiser asked, now stepping forward.

Allio, still shaking and pale, stuttered, "It—It means... those colors... those are the ones who love you. Not just love. But unconditionally. They're all alive... somewhere. Seven women. All of them... bound to your soul."

Unconditionally...

No. No. No. No.

They don't know him like I do. They don't understand him like I do.

They don't deserve him like I do.

Kaiser tilted his head. "And how often does something like this happen?"

"Never..." Allio croaked. "I—I've never seen it before. Maybe... once in a thousand years? But even then... it can only be three at once... not seven."

I couldn't hear anything after that.

My brain... it was just repeating one thing.

It's a mistake.

It's a mistake.

It has to be.

There's no way anyone else could love him like I do. No way anyone sees him the way I do. No one listens to his voice like I do.

They can't. They won't.

They aren't me.

I stepped forward, my voice strained, sharp with trembling disbelief. "There... there has to be a mistake."

Kaiser laughed—softly, almost teasingly behind me. "Looks like I've been too charming for my own good."

I slowly turned my head to him. My neck stiff. My jaw clenched. My eyes narrowing.

"Kaiser," I whispered coldly, "I don't believe it."

His eyes blinked. For the first time... surprised. Slightly caught off guard.

"Why does it concern you so much?" he asked, voice curious, almost careful.

I stepped closer. My hand reached for his arm, and I gripped it—tight enough to hold myself, tight enough to remind him I was with him. That I was here. That he was mine.

I forced him to look at me.

My red eyes locked onto his. I didn't blink. I couldn't.

"I'm not sharing," I said, my voice low.

He raised an eyebrow, lips parting slightly. "Sharing what?"

I leaned closer, shadows trembling over my face, a softness laced with poison.

"What's mine..." I muttered.

He stared, his expression neutral. I didn't wait for him to understand.

Then Allio's panicked voice interrupted the spiraling tension. "T-This shouldn't be possible! No one's ever had seven soulmates. Ever. This has to be wrong. Something went wrong. I swear!"

Kaiser sighed like he had heard enough. "It doesn't matter. I never believed in this scam anyway."

But I wasn't listening to them.

All I could think of was the mirror. The damn colors. The lies they told.

Red. Just red.

It should've only been red.

That pink showed up out of nowhere. Green wasn't there before. Gold means nothing. Blue was dimmer. Yellow? Lies. White? No. Purple—where did that even come from?

They weren't real.

They aren't meant for him.

Only I am.

While I spiraled, lost in my obsession, Allio suddenly straightened up with a new idea.

"Maybe... maybe we could try contacting one of them? Just to confirm the connection."

My breath hitched.

My eyes darted to him, burning with fury.

Contact?

Kaiser's gaze snapped to Allio too, unreadable.

If he even dares...

If any of them even try...

They're all going to die.

"No. Don't. You. Dare."

I said it under my breath, low enough no one heard. My fingers twitched, nails biting into my palm as Allio extended the mirror to Kaiser, proud like he'd just handed a crown to a king. Except it wasn't a crown.

It was a guillotine.

"Today's the festival day," Allio said, voice too cheery for what he was doing. "Even if one of them is looking at a similar mirror, they should be able to talk to you directly, sir."

Sir. How polite. Maybe I'll bury you politely too.

Kaiser took the mirror with a small grin, flipping it in his hand like it was just some toy and not the thing that would shatter everything. My breath caught.

And then it happened.

The mirror lit up—

Gold.

My heart dropped like it'd been stabbed.

"...Great!" Allio exclaimed, way too loud. "Seems like someone else is looking at a similar mirror, so it connected to you."

Kaiser leaned in, holding the mirror close. "Hello?"

Please... don't answer. Whoever you are... just don't answer.

But the mirror gleamed again, words curling into the glass like a scar.

"Greetings."

The lettering looked elegant, refined. The kind of handwriting that belonged to someone who was probably nobility...

"So uh..." Kaiser said, cool as ever, "I had this gold color on my mirror. What about you?"

The mirror pulsed again.

"It was blue for me."

Her handwriting even sounded graceful. Kill me.

"So may I know your name?" Kaiser asked, voice light, teasing.

We both leaned in—me and Allio—waiting, ears perked like dogs at the dinner bell.

"You first. the mirror wrote."

"No, you." Kaiser smiled faintly.

"You."

"Ladies first."

No reply.

"Listen girl," he said with a dry laugh, "if you ghost me and think I'll be sad, you're delusional. I wouldn't care if we never talked again."

God. Why did he sound so—so cool when he said things like that? So detached. So untouchable. Why did I like that?

The mirror flickered back.

"Interesting."

"Could you tell me at least what you do or are?" she asked next.

"You first, miss." Kaiser flatly said.

It paused. A few seconds passed. Then finally—

"I'm an Empress."

I felt Allio freeze beside me.

"An Empress?" I repeated, whisper sharp. Of course. Of course she was. Why not?

"Oh that's nice," Kaiser said, his grin widening. "I'm a con artist."

I almost choked.

The mirror didn't respond.

"Seriously?" it wrote finally.

"Yes," Kaiser replied with zero hesitation.

"What else...?" the mirror asked.

"I'm also an E-ranked adventurer if it soothes your heart."

He was smirking now. Why was he smirking like that?! Why was I smiling—stop smiling, you idiot!

The mirror took longer this time.

"This has to be a mistake."

"Sorry miss," Kaiser said smoothly. "You're bound to me now. Too late."

"As if. This is all a mistake. Nothing such as soulmates exist, we got connected due to something unknown." It wrote back.

"Say it all you want," he said, "but all I see is you belonging to me now."

"You think I'll believe my soulmate is a con artist and E-ranked adventurer? Even the servants have better ranks than you."

He let out a low chuckle. "Yeah, just like your made up title. Miss Empress—as if I'd believe you the slightest."

"Good. Don't believe me, sir E-Rank."

"Yes, my future wife."

"What—"

"Keep dreaming."

The mirror dimmed for a moment, as if exhaling.

And I couldn't take it anymore.

My heart had been paining the whole time but now it was just—just broken. Like the moment I saw that gold light, something inside me fractured and kept fracturing every time she wrote back.

It wasn't fair.

It wasn't fair that he could talk to someone else.

It wasn't fair that she had that handwriting.

It wasn't fair that I wasn't enough.

I ran. I didn't even hear Kaiser's next words. Didn't wait for Allio's breathless commentary. I just ran.

The cold air outside bit my cheeks as I burst out. My legs moved faster than I could think.

It hurt. God, it hurt.

Why... why did it hurt this much?

Why am I like this...?

I never used to feel this way before. Never cared if someone liked someone else, never thought of ripping their throat out and carving my name into their heart.

I was normal.

But around him—around him, I turned into someone I didn't recognize.

Possessive. Aggressive. Obsessive.

A version of me that whispered, He's mine.

And the worst part?

I didn't want her to go away.

I wanted her to exist—just so I could win.

Because in the end, even if there were seven of us, I was the only one who'd never let go of him.

Even if it meant getting blood on my hands to have him as mine...

----- Promise me, okay? -----

5:12 PM - Village of love, outside near the forest.

I was sitting alone in the quiet alley behind the festival tents, my dress stiff and itchy against my knees, but I didn't care. My fingers clutched the fabric like claws, my head lowered onto my lap as if I could bury all my thoughts into the earth beneath me.

But I couldn't.

Because they wouldn't stop.

"Kill them..."

My lips moved before I could stop them.

Kill them all...

Every. Single. One.

All the colors that ever showed up... Make them disappear.

I would burn every last one of them and smile as the flames lit up the night sky.

Kaiser is mine.

Mine.

They don't get to talk to him like they're equals. They don't get to hold the same mirror. They don't get to make him smile.

Only I do.

Suddenly—

"Celia! There, I found you."

His voice snapped me from the spiral. My heart flipped, rage evaporating in an instant, replaced by panic. I tried to get up—tried to run—but his hand caught my wrist gently.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice soft. "Why are you running away from me?"

I looked away. "I... I wanted to be alone for a bit."

"Oh..."

His grip didn't tighten, didn't loosen.

"Are you upset?" he asked again.

"...About what?" I murmured.

"I guess..." he rubbed the back of his neck, "that your mirror didn't change color, and mine showed seven others?"

I turned to face him...

He looked clueless. Innocent. Like he had no idea that with every word he said, my heart kept fracturing into tinier, sharper pieces.

"...Maybe a little," I admitted.

Stay, stay, stay. Please stay.

"Oh, I see, Celia," he said with a small laugh, trying to ease the air. "But don't be upset, okay? It was probably just some scam by the merchant. You know how they are. Don't take it to heart."

"You say it so casually..."

My voice shook.

"I just wanted... someone to care for me. Or love me. Even a little."

I wanted you.

I wanted you.

He looked at me, a little startled, then gave that soft, empty smile I hated and loved all at once.

"Celia, look at me. Trust me—someone will love you a lot. They're just not aware of it yet, okay?"

"Will... they be like you?" I asked slowly.

He laughed. "They'll be even better than me! Like, the best person you can ever want."

No. I. Want. You.

I clenched my jaw.

I don't want someone "better." I don't want a perfect person. I only want you.

"What about you...?" I asked. "Do you have someone now? One of those... many options?"

Don't you dare say they're your choices. Don't you dare validate them. Say it. Say I'm the only one. Everyone else is just—

"No," he said, looking away. "I'm not really the best, Celia. Nobody would really love me."

How. Dare. You.

"I have a lot of flaws," he went on. "Mainly... I'm an E-rank. The weakest of the weak ever."

I love everything you hate about yourself.

"Don't say that, Kai..." I whispered.

I miss you as soon as I wake up. I miss you when I'm about to sleep. I miss you even when you're standing in front of me, smiling like that. And you say such things?

He suddenly leaned forward a little, brushing my hand with his fingers, gaze gentle.

"I'm fine, Celia," he said softly. "But I don't want you to look like that. You looked so happy earlier. I want to make you smile again."

My throat tightened.

He took my hand in his, warm, steady.

"Come on. I'll show you a better stall than before," he said with a grin. "Just follow me."

"...Okay," I said aloud.

But in my mind?

I'll follow you anywhere.

To the ends of the earth. To the edge of sanity. To hell itself if you asked.

Just don't let go of my hand.

Kaiser took me to a nearby stall that didn't have a lot of people. It was a little tucked into the edge of the market street, shadowed under fluttering festival cloths. A woman stood behind it — long black hair tied back with a ribbon, blue eyes...

Blue.

Wait.

Blue.

I blinked, my heart dropping like a stone.

Blue. Like the mirror. One of them.

Without even thinking, I clung tightly to Kaiser's arm. My fingers curled into his sleeve, desperate, possessive.

Mine.

Mine.

Mine.

Don't you dare.

He looked at me, confused. Concern bloomed in his expression like he was trying to gently figure me out.

"Is everything okay?" he asked, his voice soft. Calm. Gentle.

I forced my eyes to blink. "Nothing..." I muttered, still gripping onto him like he was the only thing tethering me to earth.

The woman stepped forward with a graceful smile. Her voice, smooth and warm like honey slipping off a spoon, made me grit my teeth.

"Oh, hello there," she said, tilting her head slightly toward Kaiser. "And what brings you and your charming companion here? Are you two looking for something special... or someone special, maybe?" Her eyes sparkled too much.

Don't look at him like that. Don't flirt with him like that. I'm right here. I'm right here.

Kaiser's expression completely neutral, unfazed, always too composed. "My princess here wants something to smile for," he said, gesturing to me, "I'll get her anything she chooses."

My breath caught in my throat.

My... princess?

My heart twisted. It melted. My grip loosened, trembling fingers sliding off his arm for a second.

More. Call me that again. Make me yours.

"I'll go look for something to eat," he said, brushing a gentle hand over my shoulder. "Buy something nice, okay, Celia?"

He turned and walked off.

No, don't go. Stay here. Hold my hand.

I stood there, staring blankly until the woman turned to me with a soft smile. "What do you sell here?" I asked quietly, not looking at her eyes.

She bowed her head slightly. "My name's Aysha. I'm a traveling merchant," she said in that silky voice again, "and I sell words that always find their way home."

"...What?"

She chuckled. "I mean, my items are enchanted—little things with feelings woven into them. Messages that will always meet their end."

My brows furrowed. "I don't get it."

"Hm... let's see," she said, her finger tapping her lip. "That man who just walked away... do you know him well?"

I stared coldly at her. "He's mine. Take your eyes off."

Aysha laughed softly, holding her palms up. "Oh, sweetie. Relax. I was only asking." She turned slightly and brought out a delicate trinket from the cloth beneath her stall. A small star, soft red edges and gold points, catching the fading sunlight like it had its own glow.

"But you might like this," she said.

"What is it?"

"It's a bond-trinket," she said, placing it into my hand. "If you give this to someone you love—truly love—it'll link to their soul. If they're in danger... or they ever want to say something before it's too late, their last message will always reach you."

I stared at it. The trinket felt warm. Familiar. Soft hums of magic pulsed faintly through my fingertips.

"How does it work?"

She smiled, brushing her fingers across the star. "It resonates with celestial magic. If your heart is honest—if your love is true—it binds to them. Whenever they need you... even from a world away, even if it's the last thing they ever say... the message will travel back to you. No blessing stronger than love afterall. No boundary between you and them."

It shimmered slightly. I felt its warmth crawl up my arm.

"...I'll take this one," I whispered.

"Wonderful," she said. "What do you want engraved on the back? Just say it aloud."

I looked at the trinket again. My lips parted slightly.

Should I say... "Mine"?

"You're mine"?

"Say you love me"?

"I stitched your name into my heart"?

"I'll kill for you"?

"You're not leaving me ever"?

Please... say you're mine...?

No. If I say that... he'll know. He'll realize I'm desperately in love with him.

"...Forever yours," I said instead, voice almost too soft to hear.

The trinket glowed gently, and as if responding to me, letters shaped themselves on the back — a soft red, like the color of my eyes and blood. Like they belonged together.

Aysha's smile turned bittersweet. "You're welcome, miss. He'll know now."

A moment later, I heard his voice again.

"Celia." I turned and saw him return, holding a few boxes of food in his arms.

But he turned toward her. He turned toward that woman and said something.

Don't.

Smile.

At.

Her.

Kaiser.

He handed over the gold coins for the trinket, and the woman dared to smile at him — a fluttery, sly thing like a laced whisper.

But he didn't smile back. Not even a twitch. His face stayed as calm and neutral as ever, like she was nothing.

Good boy.

This time, before he could offer his hand, I quickly stepped forward and wrapped both arms around his. "Where should we go and sit to eat?" I asked, tilting my head up with a warm smile.

He blinked, glancing down at me with a soft grin. "Mmm... maybe by the main festival spot? I heard they're hosting a dance there."

"Sure! Let's go, Kai. Take me there with you," I said, pulling him gently forward.

He laughed a little. "Okay, okay. We're going."

I looked back once. Just once.

That woman was still standing behind the stall, smiling slightly. But I gave her a death stare.

If he smiled back... if he ever touched your hand... you would've been the first woman I buried into the ground.

I turned back, resting my head lightly against his shoulder as we walked.

My Kaiser.

Mine.

Forever.

---

The ground beneath us was a little cold, but the warmth of Kaiser's presence next to me was enough to make me forget everything else. We sat on a soft sheet near the main festival grounds, the glow of paper lanterns flickering to life in the growing dusk. People were gathering nearby, some dancing, some laughing... but I didn't care about them.

He handed me one of the lunch boxes he'd brought, opening his own with a casual grace. I waited for him to sit fully—and the second he did, I scooted closer, enough that our shoulders touched.

"Hmmm? Do you need something, Celia?" Kaiser asked, glancing at me with a light smile.

"Oh, nothing," I said sweetly, curling a lock of my hair around my finger. "I just wanted to sit closer. Oh! And I got you this."

I reached into my pouch, gently pulling out the star-shaped trinket—the one etched with "Forever Yours" in soft crimson. The metal shimmered in the festival lights, and I placed it into his hand like it was something sacred.

Kaiser tilted his head. "What is this trinket for, Celia?"

"It'll protect you!" I said, a bit too quickly. "Just keep it close to you always, okay?"

He chuckled softly, that gentle, soothing tone I could never tire of. "Oh, silly you. I don't believe in such things, you didn't have to get—"

"No," I said, cutting him off. My hands reached forward, clasping his fingers around the trinket with quiet urgency. My eyes searched his—burning, unblinking.

"Promise me you'll keep it with you always, okay?"

His brows drew together. "Uh... why so serious?"

"Do it for me," I whispered. "You like me, right? You'll do it for me... right, Kaiser?"

There was a pause.

And then his sigh, quiet and resigned. "Okay... I guess I will."

He clipped the trinket onto the edge of his coat near his heart. "Thank you, I guess."

I relaxed slightly, the faintest smile curling onto my lips. "You're welcome... keep it close always, okay?"

A moment passed in silence. A breeze fluttered through the paper lanterns above.

Then Kaiser let out a soft chuckle. "It reminds me of my old friend. She also used to believe in things like this."

My body froze.

My heart felt like it dropped into my stomach.

Old friend...?

"She?"

Slowly, I turned to him. "Who? What friend? Who's 'she'?"

His expression shifted—his eyes widened just slightly at the tone of my voice.

"Uhh... Celia?"

I moved closer, wrapping my hand around his wrist, my fingers tightening. I leaned in. His scent, the sound of his breath, everything was so close.

"Who is this she, Kaiser? Tell me. Right. Now."

"C-Celia? Why are you—why are you so angry?"

I smiled. A little too wide. A little too sweet.

"Me? I'm not angry," I said. "I just want to know... Who is this friend? What did she mean to you?"

My grip on his wrist tightened further.

I felt my nails pressing into his skin.

I will know. I have to.

"Relax, Celia," he said slowly, carefully. "It's just an old friend... Her name was Elfie."

Elfie.

Elfie.

I didn't blink. I couldn't. I leaned in even closer, my voice like ice. "Please answer me, Kaiser. What kind of relationship did you have with this... Elfie?"

Then, something changed.

Kaiser looked at me—And for the first time ever... he smirked.

Not his usual kind smile, no... It was dark. Crooked. Cold. Something terrifying twisted in that smile.

I forgot to breathe.

My chest hollowed out.

It wasn't him—no, it couldn't be him.

And then I realized—what I was doing. I was clenching onto his wrist like some deranged—I dropped it instantly, scooting away.

"I-I... I'm sorry," I muttered, voice trembling. "I just... I just got over my head..."

That smirk lingered on his face just a moment longer.

And then, like nothing ever happened, he blinked—and it was gone.

Replaced by the warm, gentle smile I knew. The one that made me melt.

But I'd seen it now.

The other one.

There's something inside him too... something dark.

Just like me.

My fingers twitched on my lap.

Even if there's darkness inside him... that's fine.

Because I'll love that part too. I'll own it. I'll bury it deep inside my heart and never let it go.

He's mine.

...

Why... why was I becoming like this?

I don't understand. I want him so badly. So pathetically badly.

Before, it used to hurt—I used to suppress it. Swallow it down. Smile sweetly and act like everything was fine.

But now I'm saying things I didn't even think through. Just blurting out pieces of my heart I'd sworn to keep hidden. What's happening to me?

Why am I like this suddenly...?

And why did Kaiser smile like that... that dark smile. So subtle, yet I felt it cut through me like he knew something. Like he saw straight into me and pitied what he found.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the shaking in my chest. When I get stressed—or worse... jealous—I spiral into this obsessive state. It's like I can't breathe without him. I start imagining things. Needing him, clinging to him, like my life would collapse without his warmth.

I need to relax.

Wait...

I glanced at him. Kaiser was calm again, his face unreadable in that comforting, infuriating way. The world went quiet in that moment, just me and him again.

And I realized something... something small but sharp:

This whole day, he hadn't smiled at anyone else. Not once... Not the kids, merchants, villagers, or any woman....

Only me.

Not a single polite smirk to a passerby. Not a laugh shared with a stranger. Just... me. Why?

Why only me?

No. No, it can't be—was he forcing himself to smile just for me? Faking happiness to make me feel special?

The thought cracked something inside my chest, like glass splitting under weight.

We continued to eat. The food had no taste. My thoughts were suffocating. Loud. Drowning me.

"What's wrong, Celia?" Kaiser asked, his voice soft but piercing.

Of course... of course he caught on. He always does. Just by looking at my face. He reads me like a book I can't hide, no matter how many pages I try to tear out.

"I-it's nothing..." I said, masking it with a weak smile.

"Is it about my friend Elfie? The one you badly wanted to know about." he asked.

My stomach twisted. No. It wasn't her. Not really. Not anymore...

"No... no, it's not about her. Forget it," I replied, trying to wave it off like it wasn't eating me alive.

"If it isn't her, what got you like that?" Kaiser pressed, voice gentle but persistent.

I forced a smile. "Like what? I'm fine."

"You're faking the smile, Celia," he said, eyes narrowing slightly as they locked with mine. "Now tell me the true reason."

He's the one... the only one that can see through me like this. It's terrifying.

"It's... it's nothing important," I said, quieter now.

"Tell me now, or I won't speak to you," Kaiser said.

My heart stopped. What? No... He can't say that. He can't threaten to disappear like that, not when he's my whole world. He's my everything... and he just says that so easily?

"Okay then... I'll tell you," I whispered, barely able to breathe.

I looked up at him, eyes wavering. "Today... this whole day, did you actually enjoy the time with me?"

He blinked, confused. "Why would you say such a thing?"

"You... you only smiled at me the whole time. Not at anyone else," I said. "I was wondering if you were forcing it with me..."

Even saying it hurt. But I needed to know. Even if the answer shattered me—I needed to hear it from him.

"It'll hurt a bit... but I won't mind if you honestly told me the truth. Kai..."

"I see," he said simply, voice unreadable.

The silence stretched, and for a moment I regretted asking. Regretted speaking at all.

Then his voice broke through.

"I've never been the type to smile much," he said. "Not at anyone, really."

So he was forcing it...?

"I smiled at you specifically today because I was with you," Kaiser continued, voice slow and steady, like he knew I needed it to be. "Because you're special to me. Unlike those ordinary, normal people."

My heart pounded so loudly I could hear it in my ears. His eyes were on me, and in them, I didn't see lies. I saw only him.

"I only smile to the people I like. And the one I like, is you," he said, and he smiled again—soft, sweet, like warm sunlight after days of rain.

Oh... I love you. I love you so much. So much much much. I love you in every universe. Even the ones where I never meet you—I still do. That's how cruel this feeling is.

"Only you could make me smile, Celia," he said, and reached out, gently holding my hand.

I wanted to cry.

"Me too," I whispered. "Only you can make me smile, Kai..."

"You're mine, right?" he said, his voice softer now, almost like a secret.

Yes, I'm Yours.

Yes, I'm Ready.

Yes, I love you.

"All yours?" I asked, playing innocent even though I wanted to scream yes over and over until it broke the sky.

"See? You understand why I smile with you," he said, that charming grin tugging at his lips again. "Because I like being around you."

He winked, and I could feel my cheeks flush. Again.

"Seems like my princess is blushing," Kaiser teased.

I looked away, flustered, but my heart was melting into a puddle.

"Don't you like my love language?" he said with a playful smirk. "The one you've never heard in your life so far—because it's only meant for me to speak?"

Oh... you're trying to win my heart, huh?

It's a sad world, really. It's always been yours, Kaiser. You didn't have to try.

And maybe...

Maybe it's time I confessed.

Right?

If I do it now, he'll want me. He'll choose me. I'll have him before any other woman ever gets the chance—and I'll keep him.

Forever.

"Are you always this selfish?" I asked, tilting my head, voice light like a feather. My heart, however, felt like stone.

"With you? Yes," Kaiser said, and the way he said it—unapologetic, sure, gentle—made something inside me collapse in the most beautiful way.

Then music began to play.

Soft, slow. The kind you could get lost in. Around us, travelers and couples were dancing, laughing, spinning beneath the glow of the Festival fire grounds and starlight.

I wanted to dance, too...

And as if hearing my unspoken wish, Kaiser stood, took my hand in his warm grasp, and pulled me to my feet.

"Let's go dance, Celia," he said, smiling like I was the only person in the world.

But... I didn't know how to dance.

The moment his fingers curled around mine and gently tugged, I froze in place.

"I... I'll mess it up," I whispered. "I'll trip, and you'll... you'll look stupid because of me."

Kaiser tilted his head, that soft, almost amused smile playing at the corner of his lips. "That's fine," he said, his voice like a calm promise. "I'm enough for both of us."

I stared at him, helplessly flustered. "But... what if I fall?"

He leaned in slightly, his eyes glowing with unwavering certainty. "You won't. As long as I'm alive, nothing in this world can touch you."

"R-Really...?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Instead of answering with words, he dropped to one knee—right there under the warm, golden glow of the festival lights. My breath caught. It looked like... a proposal.

He lifted my hand, cradling it gently in his.

"From this day forward," he began, his voice solemn yet tender, "and in every tomorrow that follows... I vow to protect you, Celia."

His blue eyes held my red ones like a binding pact, unwavering and absolute.

"I'll protect you wherever you are, no matter who stands in the way. I'll be there—for you. Always."

My heart... it didn't just melt. It shattered, reformed, and then melted all over again. How could someone like him exist? How did he even love someone like me?

"I... I accept," I whispered, barely able to speak through the tears welling up in my eyes.

He rose, still holding my hand, his grip warm and sure.

"There," he said gently. "Never fear when I'm with you."

"Yes..." I breathed, "I won't ever be scared again... I promise too."

What did I ever do to deserve him?

The love of my life... no, the only one who made life feel like more than just pain and passing days.

"I feel... safe with you," I whispered as he gently pulled me closer, his warmth wrapping around me like the night itself.

"That's my girl," he murmured, the words sinking deep into my heart.

Around us, villagers laughed and danced. The children from earlier pointed at us, giggling and cheering. I should have felt embarrassed. I didn't. This was our moment — it belonged to us, and no one else.

Even if I couldn't dance, even if I stumbled every step of the way... I would still dance.

For him.

Because I'm his.

All his... forever.

He's my happiness.

And if anyone — anyone — dares to take him from me...

...I'll burn them and the world.

He raised my hand to his lips, kissed it softly, then pulled me into the rhythm of the music. His palm pressed against my waist, the other entwined with my trembling fingers.

And just like that... we moved.

I tripped. Almost instantly.

My foot caught on my own dress and I stumbled forward, nearly collapsing.

But before I could even brace myself, he caught me — strong hands around my waist, spinning me in one swift movement, turning what should've been my humiliation into a smooth turn.

The crowd clapped louder.

He... he saved it. No — he made it better. Like it was part of the dance all along.

How can someone do that?

He moved again, guiding me, one hand in mine, one at my back. His steps were effortless. He led like he knew me — every misstep I was about to make, he turned it into something else. Every time I panicked, he turned me, dipped me, laughed softly into my ear like this was all planned.

The kids from earlier ran to the edge of the circle and started cheering.

"Go, Kaiser!"

"Look at them! His wife is so pretty!"

...His wife.

They called me that again.

Kaiser chuckled, leaning closer, "Did you hear that, wife?"

My heart stopped.

"Y-you—" I started, glaring up at him, but I couldn't keep the act.

He was teasing me again.

And I wanted to die from how happy it made me.

"...Just for the moment," I mumbled.

"Oh?" he tilted his head, his smile deepening. "Only for the moment?"

I looked away. "Yes... for the moment... I'll be your wife."

He pulled me closer.

We danced again. His grip on me was firm but kind, always adjusting for me. I wasn't the best, but with him, it didn't matter. He made it look like I belonged there. Like I was the star of the night.

The music picked up, and we twirled under the soft silver light of the moon. Lanterns swayed gently overhead. The fire cast golden shadows along the ground, and the cheers of villagers rose around us, clapping, calling our names. It should've felt overwhelming.

But I didn't hear them.

Not really.

All I could hear was his breath close to mine. All I could see were those blue eyes watching me like I was the only person left in the world.

I glanced up again.

He was smiling.

That soft, real smile.

And something cracked in me — gently, like glass touched by light.

This... this was the happiest I've ever been.

Because he was here.

The music continued—flowing like wind around the bonfire—and so did he. Kaiser took a step back, twirling me gently with one hand as his other guided my waist. My dress caught the wind, brushing against his coat. I barely had time to catch my balance before he pulled me back in, close, our feet moving in perfect rhythm.

He dipped me.

I let out a quiet gasp as his hand caught the small of my back.

The crowd erupted with another round of cheers.

"K-Kaiser," I breathed, slightly winded, "are you really this good at dancing?"

He raised an eyebrow, a boyish grin on his face. "Me? Not really. I'm rather average."

I blinked at him. "Then how are you making all my mistakes into... moves like that?"

Right on cue, I misstepped—again—and he spun me under his arm so fluidly it looked rehearsed.

"That," he said, smiling down at me, "was coincidence."

"Coincidence?" I muttered, almost insulted.

He leaned closer, lowering his voice as he pulled me into another slow twirl. "It's just easier to dance when it's with someone I like."

He winked.

My stomach twisted into a knot so tight I could barely keep my feet moving.

I looked away quickly, my voice low. "...Dummy."

He chuckled, clearly hearing me.

Then, without warning, he spun me again, this time lifting my hand high before looping it behind his neck, pulling me close.

"Careful, wife," he teased, smirking as he brought his forehead close to mine, "you're falling for me."

I should've slapped him. Or at least scolded him. Something.

But I couldn't.

"...Then," I whispered, barely audible over the music, "for the moment... I guess you can be my husband."

He froze for a second. Just a beat.

Then he laughed—softly, warmly—and his smile returned, brighter than before. "Gladly," he said.

My face blushed so badly... I could feel it.

But I didn't look away.

We danced again. This time slower, smoother. Every motion he made curved around mine, guiding, correcting, without ever making me feel wrong. I was moving like I knew what I was doing—and I didn't. Not even close. He made me feel flawless.

"Look at them," someone said in the crowd.

"They're the best dancing couple we've ever seen!"

"So in sync—like they were made for each other!"

I tried not to let it show on my face.

But my heart—

It was pounding.

I looked up at him again.

His blue eyes were still on me. Always on me. Soft and sure and steady.

I wanted to fall into them.

No—I wanted to dissolve. To become something that lived only inside those eyes. I wanted to burn quietly in the warmth of his attention until nothing of me remained but the part he held.

My red eyes locked with his.

And in that second, I swear... I felt like they were trying to merge. As if some unseen thread was pulling our souls closer than even our hands.

I would never tell him. Not out loud.

But in my mind, I was already his.

Forever.

And then—

A loud, sharp crack split the air like lightning.

The music stopped.

Gasps echoed through the square. The villagers looked up.

Kaiser immediately stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body.

My heart, which had just been soaring, now thudded against my ribs with dread.

What... what was that?

----- I'm His -----

7:42 PM - Village of love, hunter's raid.

As I opened my eyes, I realized I wasn't standing anymore.

My cheek was pressed against something warm—Kaiser's chest. His arm had wrapped around me like a shield. Strong. Protective.

And right in front of my face, frozen midair, was a fire arrow, glowing red-hot, its flames hissing from the compression of the surrounding air. But it wasn't moving anymore.

Because he caught it.

He caught it with his bare hands.

I stared at the arrow inches from me, blinking slowly.

My heart was pounding... so much—thud, thud, thud—like it wanted to burst out of me and scream.

But it wasn't just the fire arrow.

There was another one.

As I looked up at his shoulder, I felt something... break.

A normal arrow had sunk deep into his flesh around his shoulder, right where my head had been.

It was meant for me.

He didn't even flinch.

Dummy.

Why...? Why would you do that...?

His face—calm. His brows weren't even furrowed. His lips weren't twitching from the pain. Nothing. As if the arrow hadn't just buried itself into his body.

"K-Kai...?" I asked, my voice small.

He smiled at me like none of this mattered. Like the only thing that did was me.

"Are you okay, Celia?" he asked.

This dummy...! Stop smiling! Don't act like I'm the one that matters right now!

"Your shoulder—!" I leaned forward to reach for him, to stop the bleeding, to do anything, but—

Boom!

A violent explosion of smoke erupted behind us. White and thick. Blinding.

I choked.

Then—someone grabbed my wrist.

Hard.

"Let go!" I screamed.

I thrashed, tried to pull back, but the hand was too big, too strong. Rough like rusted chains. I couldn't see anything. My heart clawed at my ribs. I tried again to pull free, to scream louder.

Please, don't take me away. Don't ruin this. Not tonight. I only wanted one night. Just one—

The smoke thinned.

And I saw him.

The man holding my wrist.

He was huge. Scarred across the mouth like someone had tried to sew his face closed and failed. Greasy brown hair slicked back, sunburnt skin, eyes like rotted meat. He licked his lips as he grinned at me.

"Got some fire in ya, girl," he said with a gravelly chuckle. "That's good. Makes it more fun."

Disgusting.

I pulled again.

"Let me go!"

He laughed. "Nah. You're worth too much gold to drop. Witch bounty like yours'll feed me for a year. Maybe two."

Behind him—six more.

I could barely make out their faces in the smoke, but they were all armed. Ragged armor, mismatched weapons. Sellswords. Thugs. All of them grinning like murderers.

Then—my breath caught.

The smoke behind me parted more.

Kaiser.

He was standing exactly where I'd been ripped away from. The arrow still in his shoulder. Chest rising, slow, unbothered.

But at his throat—was a knife.

A man stood behind him, taller than the rest, with a sharp angular jaw and golden piercings all across his brow. Eyes cold.

"Move, and I slit your pretty boy's neck," the man sneered, his knife pressed gently against Kaiser's skin. "Got a nice clean bounty on your monster girl there. Can't have you messing it up with all that knightly protectiveness."

Kaiser didn't speak. Not yet.

I stared at the blade against him. My legs shook. I forgot the pain in my wrist. I forgot my own fear.

I was only afraid for him.

"Let me go!" I screamed again.

The brute holding me pulled me closer like a doll. "Feisty little freak, ain't ya?"

And then the leader spoke.

"Funny," he said. "The rat witch had the guts to dress up and dance like she's human. Laughing. Smiling. Flirting with that trash."

His words cut deeper than the wrist.

"Disgusting," one of them snickered.

"She'll cry real good when we chain her up, I bet," another one grunted.

My hands were trembling. I wanted to cry.

But I didn't.

I looked at Kaiser.

He wasn't looking at the knife. Or the man.

He was looking at me.

Still calm.

Why aren't you saying anything?

Why aren't you fighting back?

Will you protect me?

Please—say something.

Please... move.

Please... don't let them take me away from you.

"Well well..." the leader said with a smirk, pressing the knife tighter against Kaiser's throat. "You're awful calm for someone with a blade at his neck."

Kaiser didn't even blink.

"What do you want?" he asked, voice cool and even, like he was asking for the time of day.

The leader's grin widened.

"Simple," he said. "I'll be taking your pretty little friend here—" he jerked his chin toward me "—and selling her for that sweet bounty the Kingdom's offering. Witch blood's worth a lot these days."

The others chuckled behind him, like hyenas sniffing rot.

"Y'hear that, witch?" one of the thugs called. "They'll hang you soon enough. Maybe burn you. Or maybe they'll keep you around for a while first. For fun."

Another leaned in, laughing. "Bet she was trying to seduce you, little lover boy. Look at that dress. Acting all innocent. You fall for that act, huh?"

Their words hit like stones.

I gritted my teeth, but my hands were trembling. I wanted to disappear....

But the worst was the laughter. The laughter that didn't stop. Mocking. Cruel. Like I wasn't even human.

"Even worse," one of them barked, pointing at Kaiser, "this freak's an E-rank. The weakest one on the registration list, at the bottom. Can't even use elemental magic! What are you, a farmer who forgot what a shovel looks like?"

They all howled.

The man gripping my wrist leaned close again. His breath stank like old mead and rot. "I like the white ones. They scream prettier."

I winced, my skin crawling. I pulled harder. Nothing. His grip just got tighter.

The leader chuckled, pulling me closer by the waist now, right in front of Kaiser.

I froze.

"Too bad," he said, grinning at Kaiser, "that your little friend's mine now. Weakest adventurer of celestine, can't even save his little girl."

He smirked.

"So if you ain't got any dying words, I'll just be taking her now—"

"I wonder..." Kaiser said.

The world went still.

The tone of his voice wasn't neutral anymore.

It was cold.

I looked up—something about him had shifted. His posture hadn't changed. His face was still relaxed. But it was... empty.

No warmth. No emotion. Just a quiet void.

The man holding me went still too.

Kaiser's eyes were locked on the leader now.

"Should I be mad that you dared touch my heart..." he asked, voice low and slow, "or that you thought seven people would be enough to fight me?"

The laughter exploded again.

Louder this time.

The one gripping me laughed so hard he leaned back.

"Whaaat'd he say?" one of the men snorted. "This freak thinks he's scary now? Oh no! The E-rank speaks!"

The man's blade pressed tighter against Kaiser's throat. "You're real mouthy for a dead man—"

It happened in less than a blink.

Kaiser didn't even turn his head.

His hand shot up and clamped around the wrist holding the blade, twisting it backward until it snapped. Bone pierced skin.

The man screamed out of his lungs.

Kaiser turned just enough to jam his elbow into the man's stomach, making him lurch forward—and then drove his knee up.

Hard.

Into the man's jaw.

The bone cracking was loud.

He dropped like a corpse, twitching.

Silence.

Everyone froze.

Kaiser slowly stepped over the man's broken body, reaching for his shoulder. His fingers curled around the shaft of the arrow embedded there.

He pulled.

Blood trickled down his chest.

The arrow snapped in his palm with a sharp, splintering sound.

He looked at the rest of them.

Expression unchanged.

"I don't threaten people often," he said, crushing the arrow under his foot, "but when I do... it's mostly because their time living has ended."

My lips parted.

I couldn't breathe.

"Oh?" the leader said, voice dragging like a boot through spit. "Seems the E-rank's got a little fight in him after all."

He chuckled, wiping a speck of blood from his cheek. "Guess that's one less loser on the payroll."

The man gripping my wrist shifted, his fingers tightening like a vice. I winced. His nails dug into my skin. Closer now, I could smell him—oil, steel, and something sour. His face was long and pockmarked, with half-rotted teeth yellowed to the gumline. A lecherous glint burned in his eyes, the kind of look that made your stomach churn.

"Let go of her, now." Kaiser said. His voice was still calm.

The man didn't budge.

"We can't do that, buddy," the leader said. He cracked his neck and stepped forward, rolling his shoulders. "This is where your little act ends."

He smiled—no, smirked.

"The name's Varn," he said, spreading his arms like some grand announcement. "Leader of the Black Maw. You've probably heard of us if you've ever stepped on the party list. And the guy you just dropped? Not one of mine. Lower D-rank mercenary that joined us this morning for a few coins."

He moved his chin toward the twitching body behind Kaiser.

"So don't get cocky, E-rank. That was just the appetizer."

My knees were trembling now. My fingers dug into the man's arm holding me, but he didn't even flinch.

He leaned in, breath foul and hot against my neck. "What's wrong pretty girl?" he said, dragging it out slow. "Just a bit longer until we enjoy together."

I turned my face away, trying to squirm, but he clamped tighter.

"Let me go..." I gasped.

He only smiled.

"Rauk there, also not officially part of Black Maw either," Varn continued, smiling darkly. "But he's a High-Tier C-Rank merc. Earned his reputation back in the West—ruthless, efficient, and more importantly—" he smirked, looking directly at me, "—we made a promise to him."

The rest of the group started to chuckle again.

Varn grinned, his teeth like broken ivory.

"That he'd get to spend the night with the witch. And in the morning? Well... we'll pick up what's left of her and cash her in."

My chest tightened. My throat locked.

No. No. Please.

Rauk dragged me closer by the waist. His filthy hands slid up my side and grabbed at my shoulder.

"Don't touch me!" I shrieked, struggling harder, but he held fast.

"You're soft," he muttered, his voice low and awful. "Been a few weeks since I've had one. Hope you last longer than the last girl. She passed out too fast. Barely worth the noise."

He licked his lips and touched lower—fingers tracing the curve of my back.

"No—please—stop!" I begged, the words tumbling from my mouth. "Don't—don't touch me! Please stop, please—!"

"Oh, you'll beg louder soon," Rauk sneered, laughing. "That's the best part. Seeing the light go out while they're still making those little sobbing noises."

The others snickered.

"Careful, Rauk," one of them said. "Don't break her yet. We gotta get paid tomorrow."

I couldn't breathe.

I couldn't scream.

My chest was shaking. My nails scraped against his hand, trying to tear it off.

My eyes darted around—Kaiser stood still.

Expression unchanged.

But his eyes—

His eyes were staring into Varn like they'd already killed him a thousand times.

Varn didn't care.

"So, Mister E-rank..." he said with a grin, "you've got no hope. You're alone. You're weak. And you're about to die—"

Suddenly—

Silence.

The wind stopped.

The trees stopped swaying.

....

I felt it before I saw it.

Something terrifying.

Suffocating.

The abyss itself had opened its eyes.

"Hey Rauk," came a voice—low, slow, like a chill slithering down my spine. "You wouldn't touch my friend Celia... right?"

That voice—

My breath hitched.

He was behind me.

My wrist suddenly loosened, the unbearable pressure vanishing immediately. I blinked once—just once—and Rauk's hand wasn't there anymore. Neither was he.

Everyone turned. Slowly. Like their necks had turned to rust.

Rauk's body stood there for half a second longer than it should've... before slumping to the ground with a thud.

Limp. Headless.

Kaiser was holding it.

Rauk's head.

Dangling from his right hand.

Blood dripped from the torn neck like syrup pooling onto the soil. But Kaiser didn't even flinch. He lifted the head to eye level, gaze boring into it as if Rauk could still feel shame in death.

"Don't tell me you're scared to speak now," he said, voice like steel drawn slow.

His body... it twitched—Gods, it twitched—and I felt my stomach churn. Blood bubbled from the ragged hole of Rauk's neck.

"I think your body could use a little more decapitation, Rauk," Kaiser murmured, colder than before. "Want me to do the honors?"

No one spoke.

Not even me.

Even my fear felt frozen—locked in a box, shivering.

Then he dropped it.

Rauk's head hit the dirt with a wet thud. And then—

Crunch.

Kaiser crushed it under his boot.

Bone cracked. Something wet splattered against my legs.

He smiled.

Hands back in his pockets. As if this was just a normal thing for him.

"That's what you get..." he said quietly, "...for touching what's mine."

...What's his?

My heart twisted.

He turned slightly and pulled me gently behind him, positioning his body between me and the rest of the monsters who dared call themselves human. His back was wide, steady.

Safe.

The remaining five spread out, forming a loose half-circle around us. Their weapons were out now. But they were shaking.

"What the hell did you just do!?" one of them snapped, voice sharp with fear.

"I got rid of the trash," Kaiser said. "It was annoying me."

"Bastard—! We didn't even see you move!"

"You're just an E-rank!"

Kaiser exhaled once, amused.

"Once you touch what's mine," he said, stepping forward, slow and steady, "rank stops mattering. Because I'll make sure... whoever lays a hand on her... begs for death to take them."

Their faces twisted in fear.

One of them pointed, eyes locked on Kaiser's belt. "He did all that—with just a knife?! That wasn't even there before—!"

Tension burst through them. All of them drew closer together, tighter now.

Behind him, my fingers curled tightly into the fabric of his coat. My hands were trembling, but I held on.

I didn't say it aloud. I couldn't. My lips barely moved.

...but thank you. Thank you for protecting me again.

His coat was warm. Even now.

So much warmth for someone so terrifying.

"Take care of yourself," I whispered, barely a breath against his back.

He smiled. I felt it, even though he didn't turn.

"I'll do that," he said softly.

And in that moment... I didn't care how much blood was on his hands.

I just wanted them to stay wrapped around me forever.

Five against one.

Daggers drawn. A bowstring tightening. Two of them murmuring incantations under their breath—fire and water flickering to life like twin fangs ready to strike.

And yet... Kaiser didn't even flinch.

He stepped forward, calm. One hand pulling his knife free—not even a real fighting weapon.

But somehow... it felt like death itself.

The first one lunged with a jagged dagger. I don't remember seeing Kaiser move—just that the man was suddenly bent over, gagging, blood spurting from his mouth.

A crunch echoed. Kaiser had struck him in the ribs—no, through them with a punch. The man flew back before he could scream, but Kaiser caught him midair with a spin, his knee slamming into his jaw. Bone cracked. Teeth spilled out.

He spun again and dislocated both the man's arms in a blur of motion, snapping them at the elbow in opposite directions with a sickening, unnatural crunch.

Then Kaiser whispered something I didn't catch—before plunging the knife into his heart.

"One down."

A second rushed in behind with a broadsword—bigger than Kaiser, trying to overpower him. He swung.

Kaiser leaned sideways, just a tilt of his neck.

The blade missed.

The man swung again—wild, furious.

Kaiser's hand caught his wrist. One flick, and the sword dropped. Another twist using his other hand, and the man's shoulder exploded inward—dislocated, broken.

Kaiser didn't stop.

He delivered five body blows in less than two seconds—one to the throat, two to the ribs, one to the stomach, and the last to the head. The man collapsed, choking.

Kaiser straddled him, took the man's own sword, and drove it straight down through his stomach, pinning him to the dirt like a writhing insect.

He didn't scream. He just... wheezed.

Another gone.

Celia, you're okay. You're okay. You're with him....

The third one—with a dagger and long red hair—tried a sneak attack from the side. He was fast.

But Kaiser was faster.

He ducked under his blade, grabbed him by the wrist and shoulder, and spun him into the air, slamming his body to the ground with the weight of his own momentum.

I heard the snap before he hit the ground.

Her leg bent wrong. Her scream choked halfway.

Kaiser's fist came down—once, twice, three times—until his face was mush, nose broken, jaw shattered.

He stood up, face splattered in their blood... calmly.

He stabbed him through the chest. Just once. Coldly. Done.

I couldn't breathe.

I hated him. I hated them all.

But... how can someone kill this easily?

The fourth came from the back—he fired an arrow.

Kaiser turned without looking.

Caught it.

He actually caught the arrow.

He snapped it in half with his fingers and threw the broken piece into the man's thigh. He screamed, dropped the bow.

Kaiser closed the distance in a few steps, ducked under the man's swing, and landed a roundhouse to his knee that shattered it sideways.

The man fell. Kaiser caught his neck before he hit the ground and snapped it, twisting it almost all the way around like it was made of soft bread.

I felt sick. And yet...

I couldn't stop staring.

My heart was pounding. It wasn't fear. Not entirely.

It was something worse.

Something deeper.

Then the last one remained.

Varn.

His cloak was torn, his eyes wide with rage and disbelief. Flames burst from his palms as he screamed and hurled a stream of fire toward Kaiser.

Kaiser vanished.

No... he was still there. Just moving like wind.

He ducked under the fire, slid across the dirt, and swept Varn's legs out from under him. Varn rolled and summoned a geyser of water to push himself back, dousing the area.

"Get away from me—!"

Kaiser walked through the water as if it wasn't there.

Varn's next spell lit up his arm, and he sent out a wave of molten heat—but Kaiser had already circled behind him.

He gripped Varn's arm mid-cast and drove his elbow into the back of it—breaking one bone.

Varn's scream tore through the air.

Then came the next series—Kaiser spun him around and sent a knee kick to the stomach, lifted him off the ground with a palm uppercut to the jaw, then caught him mid-fall and slammed his head into his knee.

Blood flew. Teeth scattered.

"Please...!" Varn croaked. "STOP—!"

Kaiser didn't.

He drove a fist into Varn's throat, silencing him, and grabbed his leg—breaking it across his own shoulder with a sound that made my spine ache.

Varn dropped to his knees, trembling.

"You're not E-rank... are you?" he sobbed. "You're a false-ranking liar...!"

Kaiser smiled.

A low, sharp grin that made even me flinch.

"I do that," he whispered, stepping closer, "to lure prey like you into my den..."

His eyes—Gods, his eyes—they flickered.

Blue to black.

Pure void.

"...Just to cut you into pieces."

Then back to blue. He smiled wider.

Varn screamed.

Kaiser stabbed him in the heart, slowly, to make sure he suffered it till the end. His hand didn't even shake.

Then... silence.

The wind rustled. The trees whispered.

I stood there, breathless behind him.

Seven bodies.

All of them dead.

And Kaiser, perfectly clean. Not a scratch apart from the arrow early in his shoulder. Only blood on his hands and his knife.

I looked at him from behind.

Even now... I wanted to reach for him. I wanted to be near him.

But how... how could he kill like that? As if he had done it for a lifetime before...

Was I the only one he would never hurt...?

Would I always be?

He turned to me.

His smile softened.

"You alright, Celia?"

I nodded.

But inside—I wasn't sure what I felt anymore. Relief. Fear. Love. All wrapped into one burning thing inside my chest.

And still... I wanted him to hold me.

Kaiser slowly walked toward me, blood still dripping from the knife in his hand. His coat hung loose on one shoulder—torn, stained with red. His left arm dangled slightly, just a little lower than usual.

He was hurt.

"Kaiser—"

He raised a brow. "Mmh?"

"Your shoulder," I said, stepping closer, reaching out before he could pretend otherwise. "You're bleeding. You got hit when you shielded me, didn't you?"

He glanced down lazily. "Oh. That?" He rolled it once, and I nearly slapped him right then and there. "It's fine. Flesh wound. Just adds to the aesthetic."

I slapped his arm—not hard, but enough to make him jolt.

"Hey—ow!"

"Don't shrug it off!" I snapped. "I don't care how aesthetic you think bleeding is—I'm going to take care of it."

He gave me that look—the smug little half-smile that always felt like he knew exactly how much I cared and exactly how much it terrified me. "Celia, are you always this cute when you're bossy?"

"Sit."

"Yes, my nurse."

He sat on a nearby log, and I knelt beside him, tugging the ruined coat off his shoulder. The cut was deep—clean but ugly. The arrow hit him really badly. Blood soaked the fabric, sticking to his skin.

I hissed through my teeth.

"You don't even flinch," I murmured, cleaning it gently with water from my pouch. "Doesn't it hurt?"

"The second your hand touched me..." he said, voice dropping low, "it stopped hurting."

I slapped his shoulder again.

"OW—! Woman, I'm wounded!"

"Then stop flirting and focus," I muttered, biting down the heat on my cheeks as I reached for bandages. "Gods, you're impossible."

He chuckled softly. "You're the one touching me."

"Only because I have to."

"Still counts."

I sighed. "You're not charming, you know that?"

He grinned. "I know. But it's working."

I tried not to smile.

I really did.

But when he looked at me like that, bloodied and bruised and still teasing me like nothing in the world could shake him—I couldn't help it.

Once I finished applying some cursed healing magic to his shoulder, I sat beside him in the grass. The festival spot had gone quiet, save for the wind brushing through the trees. The scent of blood still hung thick in the air, but he was here.

And all because he fought for me.

Again.

I stared at my hands.

"I don't get it," I whispered.

Kaiser tilted his head. "Get what?"

"Why you always protect me like this."

He was quiet.

"I mean... I know I'm not strong. I can't fight like you. I couldn't even scream when they grabbed me." My voice broke, but I swallowed it down. "You always end up bleeding because of me."

I looked away from him, gripping the grass beside me. "You could've gotten killed."

He didn't speak.

I didn't want him to.

"I hate this," I whispered. "Watching you bleed. Knowing it's because I'm weak."

Silence stretched. I couldn't look at him. I didn't want to see his expression.

But then—

"I don't protect you because you're weak."

His voice was low. Quiet.

"I protect you because you're mine to protect. I made you a promise, a vow, and I'll follow through with it."

I turned to him slowly. He wasn't smiling. He wasn't teasing.

His eyes—blue as the sky, and right now, just as open.

"You think I bleed because of you," he said. "But I'd bleed a thousand more times if it means you'd stay close to me."

I felt my throat close up.

"But if it hurts you... I'll stop."

"No," I whispered.

He glanced up.

"Don't stop."

I reached for his hand, hesitated, then held it anyway.

"I just... want to be strong enough someday to stand beside you."

His fingers closed around mine.

"You already are," he said.

...

"Kaiser... can you answer something for me honestly?" I asked, almost afraid.

"Mhm?" Kaiser replied, his voice smooth and soft.

"What if you actually get hurt... trying to protect me?"

The words slipped out before I could bury them like I always did. My voice was quiet, honestly scared. Because I hated this—watching him bleed just to keep me safe.

I glanced up, afraid to meet his eyes but needing to, needing to see how he would answer.

Then he spoke.

"If death were to take my hand away from you," he said gently, and his grip on my hand tightened as if to prove a point, "I will hold you with the other and promise to find you in every lifetime."

My heart exploded.

Ugh... KAISER!!!

Why does he say things like that with such a straight face?! Like it's nothing. Like I'm not dying every time he opens that perfect, perfect mouth.

Every time you speak, I fall in love with you again!

STOP!! My heart can't take it anymore! You did it the whole day!

I love you so so much!! I want you so badly!

I squeezed his hand tighter—I couldn't help it. My fingers laced through his, desperate to hold more of him, to never let go.

He tilted his head slightly, dazed. "Celia... I might be a bit drugged..."

"Wait, what—?"

Suddenly, his body leaned forward—his head collapsing against me.

Me.

Right onto my chest.

My eyes widened.

He... passed out?

His breath was soft and steady. No sign of pain or tension. He wasn't dying. He was just...

Out.

Did fighting tire him out... or... was it the arrow?

I looked toward the torn shoulder where I'd bandaged him. That arrow... It could've had something on it. In the past, it wasn't rare. Adventurers sometimes used sleep powder on their blades or arrowheads, especially against monsters.

But now...

He was on my lap.

Kaiser—on my lap.

I stared at his face. His cheeks, his lips, his long lashes that rested gently against his skin. The rise and fall of his chest, the weight of his body so close to mine, and I just—

Something... snapped.

The romantic haze in my chest coiled, twisted into something hotter. Deeper.

My fingers trembled as I raised them to his hair, brushing them through the soft strands like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"You're so pretty like this..." I whispered, my voice slow, lower than usual. "Kaiser... asleep on my lap... like you belong here..."

My fingers moved through his hair again. Slower. Deeper. I tilted my head.

I could feel my pupils dilating. My breath was light, but fast.

Why do you always look so peaceful? Even after bleeding for me. Even after saving me again and again and again.

I leaned over him, my hand brushing gently across his cheek.

"I want to keep you like this," I murmured aloud. "All mine."

My voice cracked a little. But not from sadness.

From something deeper. Needier.

"Say... when do you plan to make me your wife, Kaiser?" I asked softly, lips brushing close to his ear. "You've protected me, held me, fought for me... isn't that what a husband does?"

My red eyes flickered darker. He was asleep—he couldn't hear me. But gods, I wanted him to. I wanted him to wake up and pull me close and tell me I was his and only his and—

I reached out and stroked his lower lip with my thumb.

So warm...

So perfect.

So mine.

My tongue slowly licked across my lips as I smiled sweetly. Lovingly.

"Only mine," I whispered.