With a flick of his wrist, Tenra released Katerea from the Sancta Diabolus Ecclesia.
"Creuserey?"
"Katerea!"
Katerea looked up, surprised to see Creuserey hovering above the hall. His face lit up with relief and longing, ready to rush to her side.
"Don't move."
Tenra pulled Katerea close, one hand tightening around her throat. His smile was pure devil—wicked, theatrical, cruel.
Katerea blinked, confusion flickering for only a moment before she slipped seamlessly into her role. She understood exactly what her master wanted.
"Creuserey, save me! Please, save me…"
Her voice trembled, soft and fragile. Katerea squirmed, calling out as if truly held captive, her performance heartbreakingly convincing.
Raynare muttered "bitch" under her breath. Tenra almost laughed—women, natural-born actresses, every last one. If he didn't know the truth, even he'd have been fooled. For a lovesick man like Creuserey, it was torture.
To see proud, unyielding Katerea reduced to such pitiful weakness—what horrors must Tenra Kamiyo have inflicted on her?
"Let her go!"
Creuserey's fury exploded. He conjured a magic circle, power crackling in the air, aimed straight at Tenra.
"Impressive magic. I doubt I could shrug that off… but—"
Tenra's grip tightened on Katerea's throat, making her gasp in pain, her face turning pale.
"If you don't care about Katerea's life, go ahead. Attack us both."
Creuserey hesitated. Tenra could feel the pressure in his magic—far beyond Diodora's. But with Katerea in his grasp, Tenra was untouchable.
"Release Katerea!" Creuserey's voice was low, desperate. His magic faded.
"I'm not opposed to letting her go. Depends on your performance."
Tenra loosened his grip, smiling sweetly. Katerea sagged in relief.
"What do you want?" Creuserey spat, barely controlling his anger. He'd never been threatened like this, but for Katerea, he swallowed his pride.
"You're a dangerous opponent, I admit. But asking for your life would be excessive."
Tenra's eyes glittered. "How about an arm? Destroy one of your own arms, and I'll let Katerea go."
He laid out his terms, no different from any villain. But Tenra had never pretended to be a hero. Sometimes, playing the bad guy was just too much fun.
"Despicable scum!"
Creuserey snarled, rage and humiliation twisting his features. He'd pulled stunts like this himself, but being on the receiving end was agony.
"Decide quickly. You claim to love Katerea—one arm for her freedom is a bargain. Or is your devotion just talk?"
Tenra's voice was ice, his smile mocking.
Creuserey's face darkened as he weighed his options. Sacrificing an arm would cripple him, but if it truly freed Katerea, maybe it was worth it. But could he trust Tenra's word?
"Shame, Katerea. Seems you don't mean much to Creuserey after all…"
Tenra whispered the words into Katerea's ear, every syllable sharpened to wound. He was getting good at this villain thing.
Just as he expected, Creuserey's expression twisted in pain. Katerea's eyes shimmered, then hardened into icy resolve.
"Creuserey, do it. Don't worry about me—kill Tenra Kamiyo."
"Katerea, no, that's not— I…"
Creuserey panicked, realizing his hesitation had hurt her.
Too late for explanations. He glared at Tenra, voice shaking with fury:
"If you betray me, I'll make you pay."
A flash of ruthless determination. Creuserey raised his hand—his entire left arm tore free and tumbled to the ground.
He'd actually done it. Hardcore.
"Creuserey, you—"
Katerea stared, stunned. Tenra and Raynare applauded from the dais.
"Magnificent! Didn't think you'd go so far for Katerea."
"Relax, I keep my promises. From now on, Katerea is free."
Tenra released her. Katerea wasted no time, flying from the dais as if she couldn't bear another second near her tormentor.
"Creuserey, why—why would you do this for me?"
"Katerea, don't you understand how I feel? I… I…"
Creuserey sealed his wound with magic and floated down to the floor. Katerea's eyes glistened with emotion, and for a moment, all his pain felt meaningful.
Noble, beautiful, sensual—Katerea had been his ideal woman for as long as he could remember. He'd chased her for years, but she'd always been obsessed with reclaiming the Leviathan throne, ignoring his love.
Who could have guessed that fate would finally win her heart? Creuserey was elated.
Forget an arm—he'd give his life for Katerea.
Cold-blooded demon or not, he was a fool for love.
Tenra and Raynare watched, thoroughly entertained. This was better than any soap opera.
And the best scene was just about to start.
"Creuserey, you know… Before I take back the Leviathan throne, I can't…"
Katerea hesitated, understanding his feelings but holding back.
"Katerea, won't you accept me? I'll help you get revenge, I'll help you reclaim your throne—I'd do anything for you!"
Creuserey clutched his remaining arm, voice trembling with passion.
"Anything? Would you die for me?"
Katerea's voice was barely a whisper, body trembling.
"Yes, Katerea. I would."
No hesitation. Pure sincerity.
"Creuserey… you…"
Katerea stepped closer, emotion shining in her eyes. Then—
"Then die for me."
Her smile turned cold. A magic circle flared in her hand and struck Creuserey square in the chest—
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