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Azreal's P.O.V
I held her cold, lifeless body in my arms. My hands trembled as the events that led to this moment replayed in my mind. I had created a barrier, shielding Eve, Lucca, and the two swords from Lucifer and his men.
"Can you still save her?" Eve asked, her voice igniting a flicker of hope within me.
I lifted my gaze to Lucca, desperate for reassurance.
"I can… but I'll need protection. Lucifer won't let us return her soul," Lucca said, his eyes fixed on the army pounding against the barrier.
"Do what you must. I'll buy you time. Please… save her."
I gently laid her body down as a painful surge of emotion coursed through me. Fueled by rage, I stepped through the barrier, letting the beast within rise. My monstrous form surged beneath my skin.
"This isn't your fight," Lucifer sneered. "I don't need your interference. Bring me what's mine."
"I would never," I growled. "I'll fight, even if she can't."
"So be it," he spat, his body shifting — talons tearing through flesh, horns sprouting, scales covering his skin. "The Great Dragon."
I'd seen him transform before. We lunged at each other, the ground trembling beneath our clash.
---
Eve's P.O.V
I watched as Lucca placed the two powerful swords before Erica's lifeless body. The moon wouldn't stay out for long — this was our only chance. A tear rolled down my cheek. Seeing my best friend like this broke me.
"Eve…"
I turned. Lucca's expression mirrored my pain. I wiped my tears quickly, but he still pulled me into a comforting embrace.
His warmth was exactly what I needed. The memory of my last moments with Erica overwhelmed me. I held onto him tighter than I meant to.
"Eve… I know this is hard, but we still have hope. We have to be strong — for her."
His words calmed my guilt and sparked determination. I looked into his eyes and nodded.
"You're right. I need to be strong… for her."
I stepped back, clenching my fists. "I'm ready."
"Good. Be careful," he said with worry lacing his voice.
"I will."
As soon as I spoke, the barrier shattered. The enemy charged toward us. My shadows surged forward, slicing down anyone who came too close. I defended Lucca fiercely, sparing only glimpses at his progress. He chanted words from a floating book. A beam of light struck the swords, then Erica's body, bathing her in radiant energy.
"No!" Lucifer's furious scream shook the ground.
Erica's eyes fluttered. My heart skipped a beat. She gasped — then opened her eyes.
I ran to her, tears streaming, and pulled her close.
"You're back!" I cried. "Thank you!" I called to Lucca.
Erica's weak hand touched my back gently. "Dear Eve, stop crying. I told you everything would be alright."
Her calm voice infuriated me.
"What do you mean by that? I almost lost you! Do you even care? What if I never saw you again?!"
"Now I'm back. That's all that matters," she replied gently.
How could she stay so calm?
Suddenly, a screech pierced the air. A body crashed before us — Azreal. His monstrous features faded: talons retracted, horns vanished, fur dissolved into skin. His eyes shifted back to that familiar, enchanting green. He collapsed beside Erica and held her close.
…Completely naked.
Really? That body's perfect, but must he show it off? I groaned internally.
"Azreal, she's okay. Now please… go cover yourself."
"I brought this, just in case," Lucca said, handing him a robe.
Suddenly, the ground trembled. A sinister laugh echoed through the empty world.
"He's back!" Azreal growled. "This ends now."
In the distance, the dragon reappeared, eyes blazing.
"You ruined my plans. Now, I show no mercy."
Pain stabbed into my body — and Lucca's. I dropped to my knees as blood trickled from my nose and lips. Lucca was suffering too. Only Azreal and Erica stood unaffected.
"This is it," I whispered. "At least I'll die with honor…"
I crawled to Erica, gripping her hand. "Stay strong…"
"No, Eve. Don't speak like that," she said, trying to stand.
Azreal's eyes burned with fury. He drew his sword — Soul Taker.
"It's time to end this," he muttered, leaping toward the beast.
---
Narration
Erica, seeing her friends suffering, could no longer stay still. She raised her father's sword. It flew to her, glowing with power, and charged at the beast. With one swoop, both swords buried deep into the dragon's flesh.
It roared in agony, weakening under the attack.
Azreal let down his guard — but then, the swords shattered. Their halves stuck in the dragon, the others fell to the ground.
Dark clouds swirled above. Lightning split the sky.
Erica's fury ignited. Her crystal eyes blazed with determination.
Under the pouring rain, Azreal clashed with the dragon — bruised, bloody, barely holding on. Erica walked toward them, chanting. Her aura glowed, light beaming from her form.
Azreal shouted, "Erica, leave! Don't risk it!"
She didn't stop.
"Long you've lived, roaming with no rest — feeding on souls, spreading darkness…"
Her voice rang with ancient power. The skies opened. Chains erupted from the portal below, wrapping around the beast.
"No! I will return! You haven't seen the last of me!"
With a final scream, he vanished into the void. The beam vanished, and the skies cleared.
Erica collapsed.
Azreal rushed to her, cradling her gently.
Lyrik approached, grief on his face.
"Master…"
"Check on the princess and her fiancé. Take us home. The battle is over," Azreal said, eyes still on Erica.
"Yes, Master."
---
Moments Later
Azreal sat in his carriage, eyes closed, Erica in his arms. Lyrik entered.
"What's the report?" Azreal asked, voice low.
"Not good. We can't find Asher's body."
"Hmph. Then the threat still lives. But he won't hide forever. Let's go."
He opened his eyes and gazed at Erica, his expression soft.
---
Jarel's P.O.V
I listened as the man before me reported. One enemy was gone — but a stronger one had risen.
"You may go."
He bowed and fled.
"It's time for Plan B," came her sweet voice, washing away my worries.
"Is she ready?" I asked.
"Don't worry. I've handled everything. Just sit back and enjoy the show," she whispered, her hand resting on my shoulder.
I pulled her into my arms. "Alright then."
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