Seraphina's unconscious body slumped across the temple's ancient stones as the dust settled. The faint glow from the now-destroyed pedestal cast eerie shadows on the walls, flickering like the last remnants of a dying star.
Lyra wiped the sweat from her brow. "We can't stay here long. That explosion probably echoed halfway across the continent."
"No kidding," I groaned, cradling my ribs. My body felt like a punching bag for a sadistic boxer, and every inch of me screamed for a week-long nap. "What's next? Build a new identity in some backwater village?"
System chimed in. "You'd make a great goat herder. Very fitting for someone who attracts homicidal women like moths to flame."
"System, I swear, if you had a physical form, I'd punt you into orbit."
"Careful! Violence is how we ended up with one angry yandere to begin with."
Lyra crossed her arms. "Focus, Alex. We need to figure out what to do with Seraphina."
"Bury her under a ton of rubble?"
"That won't work."
I sighed. "It was worth a shot."
---
The Aftermath
We hauled Seraphina out of the temple and dumped her near a tree. She looked deceptively peaceful for someone who had just been on a murder spree.
"She's going to wake up soon," Lyra warned. "We need a plan."
"How about we run?"
"Alex!"
"Fine." I knelt beside Seraphina and checked her pulse. Steady. Her expression was serene, almost angelic. I felt a pang of guilt—until I remembered the fireballs and death threats.
System chuckled darkly. "Yandere rule number one: Never trust the sleeping psycho."
"Noted."
Seraphina stirred. Her eyelids fluttered, and a soft groan escaped her lips.
Lyra grabbed my arm. "We're out of time."
---
Awakening the Beast
Seraphina's eyes snapped open. For a moment, there was confusion. Then recognition. Then rage.
"Alex…" Her voice dripped with venom. "You ran from me."
"Correction: I survived you."
She sat up slowly, her movements deliberate. Flames flickered along her fingertips.
Lyra raised her staff, ready to defend us. "Seraphina, stand down!"
Seraphina ignored her. Her gaze was locked onto me, her eyes burning with an unholy light. "You belong to me, Alex."
"Belong?" I barked a laugh. "I'm not some prize you can claim!"
"Oh, Alex." She stood, flames swirling around her like a living inferno. "You don't understand. You're mine. Forever."
Lyra stepped between us. "Over my dead body."
Seraphina smirked. "That can be arranged."
---
The Fight Resumes
Seraphina lunged. Lyra met her charge with a burst of icy magic, but the flames devoured the frost before it could touch her. The impact sent Lyra skidding backward.
I scrambled to my feet, my heart pounding like a war drum.
"System, any suggestions?"
"Run?"
"Useful as always."
Seraphina rounded on me. "No more games, Alex."
The flames surged toward me. I dove behind a fallen pillar just as the fire scorched the ground where I'd stood.
"Stop running!" she screamed.
"That's literally my survival strategy!"
Lyra unleashed another blast of magic. This time, shards of ice rained down from above, forcing Seraphina to retreat momentarily.
"We can't keep this up," Lyra said, panting.
"Tell me something I don't know!"
---
An Unlikely Ally
Just when all hope seemed lost, a loud crack echoed through the forest. A figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked in darkness.
"Who the hell—" I started.
The newcomer stepped into the light. It was a woman, tall and imposing, with crimson eyes and long black hair that flowed like liquid obsidian. She radiated power.
Seraphina froze. "Lilith?"
Lilith's gaze swept over the scene. "Seraphina. Still causing trouble, I see."
"What are you doing here?" Seraphina demanded.
Lilith's lips curled into a predatory smile. "Cleaning up your mess."
Seraphina's flames flared brighter. "He's mine!"
"Possessive much?" I muttered.
Lilith ignored me. "Stand down, Seraphina. Or I'll make you."
Seraphina hesitated. For the first time, there was a flicker of fear in her eyes.
---
A Temporary Truce
The tension was palpable as the two women stared each other down. Finally, Seraphina extinguished her flames.
"This isn't over," she growled.
"Of course not," Lilith replied smoothly. "But for now, you'll behave."
Seraphina shot me one last murderous glare before vanishing into the shadows.
I collapsed onto the ground, my nerves shot.
Lilith approached, her crimson eyes gleaming. "You're quite the troublemaker, Alex."
"Join the club," System quipped.
Lilith arched an eyebrow. "Your system has quite the mouth."
"You have no idea."
---
New Alliances
Lilith extended a hand to me. "Come with me. There's much to discuss."
I hesitated. "Why should I trust you?"
"Because I'm your best chance at surviving the storm that's coming."
Lyra nodded. "She's right. We need all the help we can get."
Reluctantly, I took Lilith's hand.
"Good," she said. "Let's get moving. The real battle has only just begun."
As we disappeared into the night, I couldn't help but wonder what fresh hell awaited us.
To Be Continued…