CHAPTER 11 – The Black Magic Visitor
The manor windows rattled as black lightning cracked outside. Kael immediately stepped in front of Velene, sword raised.
"Stay behind me," he said sharply.
Velene's brain: I AM THE THING. GET IN FRONT OF ME FOR WHAT??
Kael kicked the door open.
A dark silhouette stood in the fog outside.
"Kael Ardent," the figure hissed. "Still playing knight?"
Kael recognized the voice. "…You."
The hunter stepped forward, the same infuriating smirk on his face.
"Tracking an ancient monster takes time," he said casually. "But tonight? I smelled her fear."
Velene flinched.
Kael didn't miss it.
He moved closer protectively. "If you touch her—"
"Touch her?" The hunter laughed. "Lord Ardent, I don't need to touch her. She already leaves traces everywhere she panics."
Velene: SIR PLEASE STOP NARRATING MY ANXIETY.
Kael lunged, but the hunter leapt back, vanishing into the shadows.
A final whisper drifted through the air—
"She can't hide forever."
Kael cursed under his breath.
Velene whispered, "W-We should go inside."
Kael turned to her, eyes dark with worry.
"You know something," he said softly. "Don't you?"
Velene froze. "I… have theories. Extremely vague theories."
"Velene."
His voice cracked.
"I can't protect you if you keep shutting me out."
Her chest tightened painfully.
She wanted to tell him everything.But she could already hear the screams — the fear — the hatred — if the truth came out.
"…I'm sorry," she whispered.
Kael clenched his jaw but stepped aside. "Fine. But whatever's coming — I'm not letting it take you."
Velene looked away.
If only you knew who it's actually after…
[CHAPTER ENDS]