We rolled out of the portal and hit the floor hard. Elise landed on me, her arms locked tight around my chest. Her breathing was sharp and uneven, her eyes still closed as if afraid to look.
I lay still for a moment, catching my breath. My gaze shot around the room. The golden chandelier above us glimmered with warm light. Silk curtains framed the windows, swaying gently with the draft. The rose-colored tiles beneath us shone as if polished that very morning.
I knew this place. It was safe.
I let out a long breath and touched her head softly.
"Hey," I whispered. "We're safe now."
Elise clung tighter, her hands trembling against me. Slowly, carefully, her eyes opened. Emerald green. Bright, shining, and wet with tears. They caught the chandelier's light, turning the tears into crystals as they fell down her cheeks.
She smiled faintly through her tears.
"Thank you," she said, her voice quiet, fragile.
Her words pierced my chest. My throat tightened, and I could only smile back. I pulled her close, one arm wrapping around her waist. Warm tears slid down my own cheeks, and for the first time in a long while, my heart felt lighter.
The door slammed open.
"Archie!"
Uriel stormed in, her voice sharp as thunder. Her silver hair flowed behind her, her eyes blazing with fury. Mana poured off her body, warping the air around her. The floor seemed to tremble with her presence.
"What were you thinking?" she shouted. "You almost got yourself killed! I told you you weren't ready, but you never listen. You just rush in like a fool!"
Her eyes locked on me like daggers. Her fists were clenched, her whole body tense with rage.
"Do you even understand how hard it was negotiating for your soul? Devilspire, Archie, you're reckless."
I stayed quiet. I'd grown used to this. Living with her for a month had taught me her anger always came from fear. She shouted because she cared.
"Are you even listening to me?" she snapped.
I lifted my eyes. Her mana still burned in the air, her gaze sharp and unyielding.
"Why are you smiling?" she asked suddenly, her tone full of annoyance.
I blinked. I hadn't noticed the smile on my face.
"Am I?" I muttered. Then I gave her a small nod. "Thank you for saving me, Uriel."
Her chest rose and fell. Slowly, her fists loosened. Her glare softened into something gentler, though she quickly looked away. Her eyes flickered, her voice lowered.
"I hate you," she muttered under her breath.
Her gaze turned to Elise, who had sat up now, her wide eyes fixed on Uriel.
"Hello there," Uriel said, her tone calmer now. "I am Uriel. A good friend of Archie. You don't have to be afraid anymore. You're safe here, in my home."
Elise gave a quick nod. Her voice caught in her throat.
"Ok then. I'll leave you two to catch up."
Uriel turned and walked out, shutting the door softly behind her. The silence that followed felt heavy but calm.
I looked back at Elise. A grin spread across my face.
"Hey again," I said.
Her lips curved into a smile before she lunged forward, wrapping her arms around me tightly. Her sudden hug knocked me back, sending us both crashing onto the bed.
"Elise?" I whispered.
"Please stay," she said softly. Her voice cracked as if she were holding back more tears.
She gripped me tightly, refusing to let go. Within moments her breathing steadied, and she drifted into sleep, her weight resting against me. I held her close, my eyes closing soon after.
THE NEXT DAY
"How's she?" Uriel asked.
Her voice came from the library door as I passed by.
"She's fine," I replied. "Resting for now."
I stepped inside the library. Uriel sat on a small chair, her legs crossed, a thick book in her hands. Her silver hair spilled down her shoulders, gleaming in the soft light of the lamps. For a moment, I forgot she was a demon. Her skin glowed faintly, her expression calm, almost human.
She glanced up.
"What are you looking at?" she asked.
"Nothing," I said quickly.
One eyebrow lifted. She closed the book with a snap.
"You understand they'll keep hunting her, right?" she said flatly.
"Yes," I answered. "I know."
"Any idea why?" Her eyes locked on mine, sharp and unwavering.
I shook my head. "No… I wish I did."
She sighed deeply, then tossed the book at me. I caught it against my chest, surprised by the weight.
"There's my theory why," she said.
I looked down at the cover. Brown leather, worn with age. At its center was an insignia—two hammers crossed over a wide, unblinking eye.
"What's this?" I asked.
"Read it," she said firmly.
I opened the book and flipped through brittle pages until one drawing caught my eye. A massive eye, inked black against the parchment. At the top, words were etched in bold letters:
The God Eyes.
I read aloud.
"A unique artifact that can see the future, see emotions, and even be weaponized to rewrite time. Lost to history, they disappeared five centuries ago. Its unique emerald-green shine makes it a noticeable artifact."
My eyes lifted to Uriel slowly.
"You don't think—"
"Yes," she cut me off sharply. "Her eyes. They match the God Eyes."
I froze.
"That's not the only reason I believe it," she continued. Her tone grew heavier. "They release mana. Powerful mana I have not felt in all my centuries of existence."
I stared at the page again, then back at her.
"If those are the God Eyes," Uriel said, "then she cannot stay in my domain."
"What? Why?" My voice came out sharper than I intended.
Uriel's eyes hardened. "The God Eyes release holy mana. And as you know, holy and demonic magic are natural enemies. If she stays here, she will tear my domain apart, piece by piece."
Her words hit me hard. I stayed silent, my hands tightening around the book.
"But… we're not sure yet, right?" I tried to argue, my voice unsteady. "It could be something else."
Uriel's answer came quick, unwavering. "She has to leave, Archie."
I lowered my head, my chest sinking.
"I'll lose her again?"
"No," Uriel said firmly. "There is a group—loyal to me, though not of my kind. They will take her in. Protect her. Their power is holy. Compatible with hers. She will be safe with them."
I raised my head slowly. "Who are they?"
Uriel paused, her voice carrying weight as she spoke the name.
"The Crusaders."