While I was relieved to see my sisters, the look on Erelya's face was giving me a full-on death scare. I had to restrain her—because I damn well knew that if she launched that spell, we'd all be dead. No escape. I was fine, physically, but the thought that all this was happening because of some face-painted, useless assholes pissed me off. Nevertheless...
"Erelya, calm down. It's not worth it," I pleaded.
"Monkeys need to know their place," she said coldly.
Thankfully, my sister arrived just in time. Her eyes scanned everyone in the room like she was peering into their souls.
"You could've come a bit earlier," I said with teary eyes, sniffling. "They kept chasing me."
They messed with me. I wanted payback—no, I needed her to tear them all apart. I acted like I was trying to get her even more pissed.
"Don't worry. I'm here now," she said.
"Thank y—"
Suddenly, my body felt light. Like I could float.
Huh? Why's the floor getting higher? I thought, panicking. My limbs weren't listening to me anymore.
Thud.
I heard someone scream my name. Lilia. I was sure of it. But I couldn't respond.
Sorry, sis... I don't know what's happening, but... I just need to rest, I thought as my consciousness faded.
---
Later
"Ugh, my whole body aches," I muttered.
"You're finally awake," Erelya said, but her tone was weak.
"What happened?" I asked, glancing around.
"You lost consciousness," she replied quickly.
"Yeah, I figured that part. I meant why did I pass out?"
"I drained a lot of aether from your body at once," she said casually. "Remember I told you aether is life energy? The spell I almost cast was Fifth Circle. I burned through all your mana and had to start using your aether."
"And that was enough to knock me out?" I asked, genuinely confused.
"Of course it was. I already told you you're weak AF," she snapped.
"So a basic spell I used did all this to you," she added mockingly.
"But... you seem weaker than before."
"I'm pulling aether from the environment now, so I'm barely using yours. Since you're fucking useless," she sighed.
It was already dark outside. "What time is it?" I murmured, trying to read the clock, but my vision blurred. I couldn't even sit up. I collapsed back down just as my mom and sister entered.
"Oh, baby," my mom cried, hugging the life out of me.
"Don't worry, dear. Your father is handling the situation," she said tearfully, stroking my hair.
"Sure, Mom. I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound as babyish as possible. If I played this right, maybe I could skip training tomorrow.
"Anyway, dear, I've got work. I'll check on you later," she said, walking out and dragging my sister along. But Lilia gave me a long, suspicious look before leaving. She was a mage—maybe she sensed something was off.
"Erelya, how do I get stronger? I thought signing the contract would make me powerful instantly," I said.
"Hell no. If you tried using my power in that frail body, you'd probably die," she replied.
"But your potential's insane—that's why you were able to be my vessel," she added.
"Anyway, I almost lost control today," she said, floating up near the ceiling. "I haven't felt that angry in a long time. Maybe your human emotions are rubbing off on me."
You're a demon. You've always been like this, I thought, staring at her.
"If you hadn't fainted, or your sister didn't show up, they'd all be dea—"
Knock knock.
"Young Master Kael, it's time for dinner," Rowan called from behind the door.
"I'm a bit weak, but I'll be out in a moment," I answered and slowly got up to wash.
---
At the dinner table
The tension was unreal. The air felt heavy.
Hah, this isn't good, I thought, sitting beside Lilia.
"Kael, how are you feeling?" my father asked calmly. But I knew that tone. He was furious.
My mom looked teary-eyed, and as usual, Lilia showed no emotion. But today, she seemed slightly annoyed.
"I'm okay," I replied, though I still felt weak.
"I can't believe low-ranked nobles did this," my mom muttered, getting up to hug me again.
"Sorry, dear. You must have been scared."
Physically, I'm nine... but mentally, I'm twenty-two... her chest felt... a bit too much for my face to handle... I thought, struggling.
"Ugh, what kind of person are you?" Erelya muttered with pure disgust.
"That's your mom!"
"Yeah, but why are you looking at me like that?"
"You're fucking disgusting," she scoffed.
"No, I just—"
"Fucking pervert."
"Do I look nine to you?! Mentally I'm—"
"Ah, so you're old enough to be a pervert. Got it," she said, rolling her eyes.
There was no saving myself. With a sigh, I ate in silence, ignoring her stares.
Goddamn demon, lecturing me on morality... I thought.
At least this proves I'm not gay, I added, holding back a tear.
"Kael, what's wrong? Is your body hurting, or do you not like the food?" my mom asked.
"No, I'm fine," I said, trying not to look depressed.
"Kael, would you like to learn magic?" Lilia asked—her first words that evening.
"I'm already training in swordsmanship," I replied. Learning both wouldn't be easy.
Hell, can you even do both?
"Yes, you can. It's rare, but it happens," she said flatly.
"So... am I forgiven?" I asked, hopeful.
"Shut up, pervert," she said, cutting me off.
"Anyway, I'll teach you while I'm still here. You need to protect yourself."
Yeah... but it's gonna be a pain, I thought but didn't say. She was dead serious.
After dinner, I took a bath and got into bed.
"Hah... etiquette, swordsmanship, and now magic," I muttered.
"You're really stacking up the stress," Erelya laughed. I wanted to slap her. But if she decided to kill me, I'd be toast.
Despite being a demon, Erelya was a deep sleeper—probably because she was so strong, barely anything threatened her. As she dozed off, I stared at the ceiling.
"Family... huh," I whispered.
"It's not so bad having people backing you up," I thought with a small smile as I drifted to sleep.
---
The next morning
"What did you just say?" I asked Rowan, rubbing my eyes.
"You're going out. Right now," he repeated.
"Going where?" I asked.
He didn't answer.