There was smoke and ashes covering the place. I could hardly see Lovisa from here. But I convinced myself that there’s no need to see her whatever the case may be.

“That’s all Yannick, stop fighting.” I ordered him.

There was silence all over as I ordered Yannick. He flew back towards the building and changed into his human form. His figure was all bruised and he looked pathetic, he sat down on the ground taking support from the wall. I turned behind. Behemoth and his right and left hand men were there with him.

“I need an explanation.” I demanded.

The two of the chaotic mess who were equally wounded as Yannick came and stood beside the three men.

“My men are a bit rash, you should have considered before stepping in my territory.” He said with a slight smirk, his eyes shot between me and Yannick, “He’s quite good whatever.”

He walked past me and towards Yannick. He kneeled over to Yannick, “Must be pathetic to be ordered around him, young man.”

“Shut up!” I snapped.

He cut me off and stood straight face to face to me with his hands behind his back, he smiled slightly. His golden disheveled hair fell over his forehead, “No need to be so defensive, my dear.”

“First, you kidnap someone and then one of my men fought solo with these two bullshits.” I spoke in a harsh tone, trying to control my voice, trying not to let him get under my skin which was in vain of course.

“Bullshits? You have no grace in your words, Paradox.” He put on a new pair of spectacles which one of his men gave.

“Tell me why you kidnapped her in the first place.” I ignored his attempt to lecture me and tried to stick on the primary conflict.

“We didn’t kidnap her.” Behemoth said firmly and stood inches away from me, “Stop acc—

The guy in the torned and drenched white cloak spoke up, “I kidnapped her.”

All eyes were directed towards him who just casually blurted out such infuriating words.

“Why?”

I and Behemoth asked together. I knew I cared more for her then I should and it’s frustrating.

The wind blew giving chills. The smoke and ash which covered the air cleared away.

“You told me to kill, but she witnessed the crime so I had no choice but to bring her here and I didn’t kill her because I was not paid for it.” He explained nonchalantly, leaning against the wall still bleeding.

“Seems like we had a misunderstanding.” Behemoth stepped away from me.

“W-we sure did.” I stammered, embarrassed that I was so panic-stricken because of her.

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“But, he was on his job so he had to do it anyways and she’s lucky that he didn’t just finish her instantly.” He walked away.

“More like you guys are lucky that he didn’t harm her.” I shot a death stare at Behemoth.

He scoffed but remained quiet. After a while, he broke the silence, “But make sure to pay for the mess you’ve created.”

I sighed, knowing well that I had to, “Fine.” I groaned.

I helped Yannick to get on his feet. He put his arm around me and I flew away. I was relaxed to see her where I left her although she has been acting strange lately, always staring in a distance. Yannick looked at me with anger, “It’s all because you’re such a lovesick puppy.”

“Excuse me, what?” I looked at him in disbelief.

“Lovesick puppy, fan boy.” He repeated, “Are you deaf or what?”

“You’re my right-hand man, behave like it and I’m not whatever you say.” I protested.

“Deny all you can.” He looked away.

If I could, I would have punched him but he’s already in such a miserable state, which is deserved in my opinion. I decided to stay quiet. We landed softly on the ground. Everything was wrapped up. It was a good ending. I had Lovisa with me and I got this idiot back alive. I looked at Yannick who was still pissed off. I let him rest on the ground and walked towards Lovisa.

“Yes, yes, go for your girl.” He taunted me.

“Shut up.” I mumbled and started to walk away.

My eyes were fixed on her. Her eyes darted from one place to another as if talking to someone or was she just being wary of something? That’s the worst way to be wary of something, there are all ways to attack her right now if someone wished to.

I opened my mouth to speak something, but before I could utter even a single word, there was a big fire blast over her, right over her. My eyes widened in shock, I stayed frozen for a few seconds before running to her. But I felt someone’s grip over me. I looked behind me. Yannick.

“Leave me.” I struggled.

“It’s too late.” He mumbled.

I stopped struggling and looked at him. His eyes met mine, “This fire blast was by a master, she can’t survive it.”

A tear rolled down my cheek. I could sense the magic power, he is right. More tears felt through my cheek as I collapsed on the ground. I didn’t know why. Why I was crying for her? Why did I care so much for her? But it hurt too much. Too much for me to stand.

It was suddenly windless, dry and gloomy all around. Behemoth and the entire Karma was watching me defeated, crying hopelessly over her death. Ain’t no way she could survive it. But a part of me wished for a miracle. If she comes back, I will never let her be with herself. I will always protect her. I cursed myself for being incompetent to protect her, for always behaving like a jerk towards her. I was in short, a disappointment.

I lowered my head as tears continue to drip down my face. I felt someone kneel besides me. Behemoth. I can feel him. I wiped my tears but let my head hung lower, I didn’t had the energy left to deal with him, I didn’t had any energy to meet his or anyone else’s eyes. I just want to see her in her beautiful teal eyes, but it’s not possible.

“Can you feel it?” He said in an almost whisper, close to my ear.

“Feel what?” I inhaled deeply, trying to calm myself down and play strong.

“The faint presence of some magic?” He asked.

I stopped for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts, as I let my senses melt with the surroundings. There was indeed one, no... three presence.

I looked at him suddenly with hope, “Does that mean?”

“She may be alive.” He said, looking at the bright hell red flames, “But these flames are quite—ethereal.”

I looked at it, it sure did. Suddenly, there was a bright, sparkling stream of blue which came from within the flame enveloped area. The flame and smoke dispelled and the entire place was filled with tiny dew drops reflecting the moonshine. It was a spectacular sight to see but I was still fighting back anxious tears.

From inside, a little girl of nine years or so emerged. Her smooth, glass like long white-blue marble hair flowed freely with the soothing wind and her bright blue eyes looked at us as she floated in the air. She was a deity for sure. The aura, the demeanor and power she excluded was not ordinary in any sense. And there was Lovisa, casually sitting on the ground with a poker face like nothing happened at all. This little moron will be the death of me.