"What do you mean?" Azreal asked, his eyes narrowing into a killer glance at the man.
"Oh, powerful king of all-knowing," the man sneered, "you didn't know that girl over there is the last descendant of Zuriel?"
Azreal's gaze shifted to Erica, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. "Wait, you knew my father?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
The man's smile faltered, and he spat out a venomous phrase before a dagger silenced him. The handle protruded from his lips, and Azreal's gaze never wavered.
"Is it true?" Azreal's voice was low and menacing.
Erica stammered, "Y-yes, it's true... I'm Zuriel's daughter, but I have no idea what he's talking about."
Azreal's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, and she felt like she was drowning in their intensity. "What did you see?" he asked, his voice breaking the silence.
"I saw a never-ending war that's to come," Erica blurted out.
Azreal's gaze lingered on her before he nodded curtly. "Go back to your quarters. I'll send for you when I need you."
I stood before the door, knowing Jarel would stop at nothing to track me down. The House of Ramah was an enchanted fortress, appearing only when called.
"We're here," Luka said, his voice bringing me back to reality.
I smiled, grateful for his help. "Thanks, Luka. I owe you one."
Luka's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "You can repay me by spending more time with me."
The door opened, revealing the castle gates. I took Luka's hand, and we stepped through the doorway before it closed and disappeared.
Inside the castle, I was surprised to see Azreal waiting for us. "We need to talk," he said, his expression unreadable
Azreal led me to a meeting hall where Miss Grump and Thomas awaited. "Why is she here?" Azreal asked, his gaze fixed on Erica.
"She was in trouble, so I helped her," I explained.
Azreal's expression darkened. "She can't stay here."
I stood my ground. "She's not leaving. She's under my protection."
Azreal's eyes flashed with anger, but I continued, "I was warned about an upcoming danger, and she's the target. No matter where she goes, they'll hunt her down."
The room fell silent, and Azreal's gaze bore into me. Finally, he nodded. "If she's staying, she'll need to be protected at all costs."
Days passed, and Erica settled into her new life. She trained with Luka, learning to harness her powers. Sometimes, I caught Azreal watching her from afar, his expression inscrutable.
Meanwhile, Jarel celebrated the news of Erica's whereabouts. "It's only a matter of time before I claim her," he sneered.
His mistress pouted, but Jarel's patience wore thin. "Get out," he ordered, his voice cold.
As the door slammed shut, Jarel's anger boiled over. He smashed everything in sight, his rage fueled by the thought of Erica.
In a secret temple, a group of robed figures gathered around a statue of a horned being. They chanted mystical words, their voices rising and falling in unison.
A figure emerged from the shadows, his face hidden behind a black cloak. "Are you ready, brother?" the leader asked.
The cloaked figure nodded. "I'm doing this for mutual benefit. Don't expect loyalty."
The leader smiled. "We'll respect your wishes. Fail, and you'll wish you never existed."
The cloaked figure chuckled, a low, menacing sound.