The afternoon sun cast a warm golden glow over the noble estate as Joshua stood silently in the courtyard, watching the carriage in the distance. Tiffany, halfway to the gate, suddenly dropped her bags and turned back. With quick steps, she ran to him and threw her arms around his shoulders in a firm, heartfelt hug.
"Thank you for everything," she whispered into his ear, her voice soft and trembling with sincerity.
From the carriage, Jonathan called out, "Tiffany, it's time to go."
She pulled back, kissed Joshua gently on the cheek, then stepped away with a brave smile. She retrieved her bags and climbed into the carriage, not looking back as the horses pulled away from the estate.
Joshua remained still, his fingers brushing the spot on his cheek where her lips had landed.
I'm sorry for hurting you, Tiffany… but now you can live a happy life.
Unbeknownst to him, Queen Juliet watched from a high window, her eyes narrowed with venomous disdain as she stared down at Joshua. Her lip curled in disgust before she turned away from the window with a flick of her gown.
Inside the estate, Joshua walked in and found Franciele, his grandmother, adjusting her cloak and gathering a few things.
"Hey, Grandma, where are you going?" he asked casually.
"I'm heading over to check how the witches' den is doing," Franciele replied, slinging a bag over her shoulder.
"Oh cool! We can make it a family outing. Wait, let me go get Merlin!"
Franciele chuckled. "Yeah, that sounds great, grandson."
Joshua jogged through the halls and burst into Merlin's room without knocking. He stopped in his tracks at the sight of her sitting on the edge of her bed, her face buried in her hands, shoulders shaking.
Damn it… I was supposed to knock. This is awkward.
"Hey… big sis, what's wrong?" he asked, approaching gently.
Merlin lifted her head, tears streaking her cheeks. "Joshua… am I ugly?" she asked quietly.
Joshua blinked, stunned. He had never seen Merlin cry like this before.
"No… Merlin, you're very beautiful," he said sincerely as he sat beside her and gently placed his hands on her trembling shoulders.
"Then why… why did Lancelot run away from me? He didn't say anything… he just left…" Her voice cracked as fresh tears began to fall.
What am I supposed to say? I'm not good at this stuff…
Without another word, Joshua pulled her into a comforting hug.
Lancelot… bro, when the hell are you coming back… he thought, holding his sister tightly as she cried into his chest.
Minutes passed, and eventually her sobs quieted.
"You want to go to the witches' den with me and Grandma?" Joshua asked softly.
Merlin wiped her eyes and nodded. "Sure… I need some fresh air anyway."
They met Franciele at the front door, who raised an eyebrow at their delay.
"What took you guys so long?" she asked, hands on hips.
"You know Merlin always takes a long time to get ready," Joshua teased.
Merlin responded by smacking him on the back of the head.
"Ow!" he yelped, rubbing the spot as Franciele burst into laughter.
"Let's go, grandkids," she said cheerfully as they exited the house together.
Later that evening, at the witches' den, Jack, Sam, James, and Jessica arrived after a long day of dancing, music, and wandering through the slums. The four friends were buzzing with energy.
"I really had a fun time today," James said with a grin.
"Me too! It was super fun," Sam agreed, laughing.
Jack and Jessica exchanged amused glances, their hearts light from the joyful day.
They found a table outside, under the twinkling lanterns. James and Sam sat beside each other, while Jack and Jessica took the opposite side.
"Hey, can you two go order the food? Crystal can't handle that many plates alone," Jack said, handing James a few coins.
"Sure," James replied. "Come on, Sam."
The pair walked into the den, leaving Jack and Jessica alone. Jack took a deep breath, steadying himself.
Okay… now's my chance.
He reached out and gently placed his hand over Jessica's. Her face immediately turned crimson.
"Ja… Jack, what are you... " she began nervously, but he cut her off.
"Jessica," he said, locking eyes with her, "you're the most beautiful woman I've ever met. Not just beautiful… you're kind, smart, and funny."
Her eyes widened. She blushed even deeper but didn't pull away. Their gazes met, soft and intimate.
"I love you, Jessica," Jack said, voice low and sincere. Then, flushed with emotion, he leaned in.
Jessica leaned in too.
Their lips met in a passionate kiss. Their hands held each other tight as their tongues danced and their kiss deepened, until, without warning...
WHAM!
Jack flew out of his seat, landing hard on the stone floor.
Jessica gasped, shocked, her lips still tingling. She turned in disbelief and saw Joshua standing nearby, his fist still raised triumphantly.
"Take that, you asshole," Joshua said with a satisfied smirk, his tail flicking behind him.
Franciele sighed deeply beside him. "Joshua, how could you interrupt such a cute couple while they were making out? Are you a villain or something?"
Merlin, just a step behind them, frowned. Damn, I know Jack messed up back at the noble house… but hitting him in the middle of a kiss? That's crazy.
"Yeah," she added. "Are you a villain or something?"
Joshua folded his arms. "What do you mean I'm the villain? He started it!"
Jack groaned as he sat up, face contorted with fury. "Joshua… can't you see I was in the middle of something?!"
Joshua smirked. "You found yourself a pretty little whore to screw, I see."
Everyone froze. Jessica's face turned pale. Jack's expression twisted into rage.
"What did you say about Jessica?! Joshua, I'm going to kick your ass, you piece of shit!!" Jack roared, snapping into his Muay Thai stance.
Joshua stepped forward, fists up in his boxing stance, eyes glowing green. "Let's go, and this time, don't run away like a bitch."
The air sparked with tension.
The witches' den was about to become a battlefield.