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Erica's P.O.V
I heard movement around me. I tried to move my body, but every movement brought pain. Gently, I opened my heavy eyes. My vision was blurry, so I closed my lids again and reopened them. This time, my sight cleared.
The first person I saw was Eve. A warm feeling arose in my heart. She was always by my side.
Remembering everything that had happened, my eyes grew cloudy with tears.
"I am lucky to have her as my friend," I whispered to myself.
"Eve!" I called out, my voice barely a whisper.
She turned to me immediately, her eyes brimming with tears as she gripped my hand.
"Thank God you're awake! I thought I would lose you."
"I'm fine now... Is it finally over?" I couldn't help but tremble as the memories resurfaced.
"It's okay now. You're safe," Eve's soft voice rang in my ears, calming my tension.
"Thank you... for everything," I whispered as a wave of relief washed through me. My heavy eyelids gave in, and I drifted off to sleep once again.
---
Suddenly, sharp pain pierced my head, a throbbing sensation growing stronger by the second. Images began flashing through my mind.
I saw myself standing in a lifeless place — trees and bushes burned to ashes. I looked younger.
Out of nowhere, a giant wolf leapt in front of me. Its aura was oppressive and bloody. Long claws and stained fangs glinted in the dim light.
The wolf's bloodshot eyes locked onto mine, and a chilling fear rooted me to the spot. My legs refused to move.
It roared, shaking the very earth, then lunged at me — bloody talons outstretched.
I closed my eyes, bracing for the pain. But it never came.
Instead, I felt a familiar presence — a shadow in front of me.
Opening my eyes, I saw a younger Azreal standing before me, holding the beast's claws in his bloody hands. His body was torn and covered in blood.
The sight tore through my heart. My vision blurred with tears. A nameless anger brewed deep within me.
"Why must he always risk his life for me?" I thought painfully.
"Erica," his husky voice whispered.
He was dying — for me.
My heart shattered as I watched the wolf's dagger-like nails sink into him, yet he still fought back.
I tried to move, to help, but I was trapped behind an invisible barrier.
"No! I can't just stand here!" I screamed in my mind, banging against the barrier.
"Azreal, please, let me save you!" I screamed, tears streaming down my face.
He looked at me with eyes full of mixed emotions — sorrow, desperation, love.
"Run before they get here," he said. "I'll be fine as long as you're safe."
"I won't go, Azreal! I won't leave you!"
"Don't make this harder, Erica!" he shouted.
A heart-wrenching chuckle echoed through the air, chilling my soul.
Azreal's panic-filled gaze met mine.
"They're coming. Run! As far as you can. Don't look back!"
"I won't go unless you come with me!" I cried.
"You won't go anywhere!" the wolf growled, lunging toward me.
Azreal yanked him back by the tail just as a blast shot in my direction.
I dodged just in time.
Through the rising ash, I saw witches and strange creatures surrounding me.
I heard Azreal scream.
Looking up, I saw him trapped by a witch's spell, the wolf stabbing him repeatedly.
I tried to move but was caught in another spell.
"Not so fast," a groggy voice hissed.
An old woman approached, dragging an axe along the ground. Her wrinkled face was twisted with malice, her sickly hair blowing in the cold breeze.
Her silver blade pressed against my neck.
I trembled as she lifted it high.
But before it could fall, a blinding light burst through the chaos.
Strong, warm hands pulled me away.
When my vision cleared, I saw my father's welcoming smile.
He held me tightly to his chest.
My heart clenched. Father?
He had died... yet here he was.
Around us stood our warriors — but no Azreal.
Panic surged inside me.
"Dad, where is Azreal?" I asked with a tiny, trembling voice.
His smile faded as he looked away.
"My darling... this is for the best," his deep, husky voice echoed painfully in my ears.
"You have to listen to your father, Erica. Being around that boy will only bring you danger," came my uncle's voice from among the warriors.
"No! This isn't right!" I pleaded. "He risked his life for me! Please save him!"
My father sighed heavily.
"Only on one condition. I can't bear your life being constantly in danger."
"Yes! Anything, Father!"
"Good," he said. "You must return to Zoar. And... you must never see him again."
His words rang in my ears — and suddenly, everything went black.
---
I opened my eyes to find myself back in my room.
Recalling the dream, understanding flooded me.
I now knew why my father made that decision.
Now that everything was over... I had to return.
The door creaked open.
Azreal entered, his figure tall and imposing.
My heart pounded wildly in my chest.
He closed the door behind him, his intense gaze never leaving me.
I tightened my grip on the quilt.
"I won't hurt you," he said, his deep, magnetic voice calming my anxious heart.
"I know," I whispered, avoiding his piercing eyes.
Now was the perfect time to tell him my decision.
I heard his footsteps approaching, slow and deliberate.
Each step made me shiver.
He stood by my side, his piercing gaze sending nervous chills down my spine.
I wanted to crawl away.
But before I could move, his large hands cupped my chin, tilting my face toward his.
The electric touch sent shocks through me.
Looking into his eyes, my mind went blank.
We were so close — I could feel his warm breath on my skin, his spicy scent enveloping me.
My heart skipped a beat.
His gentle touch made me wonder... what would life with him be like?
"What's on your mind, Erica?" his husky voice rumbled in my ears, warming my heart.
His burning gaze made me feel naked — like he could see through all my walls.
Recalling the dream, I knew I had to be strong.
"Azreal, I'll be leaving soon..." I began.
"No," he interrupted sharply, his grip tightening slightly.
"I have to go, Azreal. It's for the—"
His grip tightened further, pain shooting through me.
"Who gave you that idea?" he demanded, his voice low and impatient. His eyes darkened.
"No one," I gasped. "Please, let go... I can't stay here forever. I need to leave."
"I won't let you go," he whispered fiercely, before releasing me and storming out — slamming the door behind him.
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