CHAPTER 10 – Kael Gets Suspicious. Velene Gets Worse at Lying.
Kael escorted Velene back to her manor, refusing to release her hand.
It was adorable.It was dangerous.It was ruining her life.
When the door shut behind them, Kael turned serious.
"Velene… I need you to tell me the truth."
Velene panicked instantly. "I LOVE truth! HUGE fan! Massive enthusiasm!"
"Velene."
He stepped closer.
Her brain blue-screened.
"You flinch at tremors. You're terrified lately. And something is clearly after you."
Velene swallowed. "N-No… why would anything—haha—want me? I'm just a… soft human pancake."
Kael stared. "…What?"
"Waffles. I meant waffles."
Kael rubbed his temples. "Velene, please. If someone is hunting you, I need to know."
Her heart cracked a little.
He wasn't angry.He was worried.
"I do trust you," she whispered. "More than I should."
Kael softened instantly. "Then let me protect you."
Velene opened her mouth.
Her brain: Tell him the truth.Her survival instincts: NO.Her mouth: "I'm allergic… to stress."
Kael stared. "…That's not a thing."
"It is when you're me!"
"Velene—"
Suddenly—A burst of black magic exploded outside, shaking the manor.
Kael drew his sword. "Stay behind me."
Velene's heart pounded.
But Kael… I'm the thing they're searching for.
[CHAPTER ENDS]