"Emm…"
Before I could say a word, a man dressed in black suddenly appeared before us.
"Sir, Elais is in trouble!" he said urgently.
Both Dylan and I turned toward him.
"What happened?" Dylan asked immediately, his shoulders tensing.
"While we were patrolling the villages, we noticed unusual activity in a small village called Yakima," the man began quickly. "After investigating further, we discovered that the village has been invaded by demons."
My heart skipped.
"We stayed there for days, camping and secretly gathering information while trying to reach you," he continued. "Eventually we learned something terrifying. The demons are planning something far more dangerous than we had imagined. They are trying to convert humans into demons, through series of experiment."
The air suddenly felt heavy.
"But just after we gathered the information," he said, lowering his voice, "our hideout was found out and we were ambushed by the demons, . Elais and Vuno were captured. I managed to escape under Elais's cover, as he asked me to find you."
He clenched his fists in frustration.
"I searched everywhere for you, but because your spiritual energy was concealed, I couldn't find you sooner."
Silence fell around us.
Dylan slowly turned his gaze toward me.
The man—Bruno—followed his gaze. For the first time since arriving, he lifted his head and looked directly at me.
His eyes widened.
And his brow arch in question.
"She is… human?" he said with clear displeasure.
"Hi… I'm Clover," I said, reaching out my hand politely.
But my hand remained hanging in the air.
He didn't shake it.
Awkwardly, I pulled my hand back.
"Give us a moment," Dylan told Bruno.
Bruno bowed and stepped aside.
The moment he left, I turned to Dylan.
"Does that mean humans are being kidnapped?" I asked quickly.
"Yes," Dylan replied grimly. "The demons are already one step ahead of us, and it seems that this time around they are truly out for war without holding back."
Then he looked at me seriously.
"About what I told you earlier… what is your decision? We don't have much time left."
My throat felt dry.
"I… I…"
Dylan sighed softly.
"You can accept this fate," he said calmly. "Or you can return to your world and forget everything."
He continued,
"I will seal your spiritual energy again. Your hair will return to normal. Your eyes will become the same crimson color as before. You will live your life as an ordinary human. Living with your parents enjoying your daily life just like any normal day."
His words echoed in my mind.
"With your powers sealed, the demons will not be able to find you. You can live a peaceful life."
Then he added quietly,
"You once protected our clan. This time… we will protect the world ourselves."
I couldn't find the right words.
My mind was blank.
"I…"
"You don't have to answer now," Dylan interrupted gently. "I will give you three days."
His expression became serious.
"On the third day, I will return for your answer."
Then he waved his hand.
Darkness swallowed everything.
When I opened my eyes again, I was back inside the classroom where I had disappeared earlier.
Everything looked normal.
Too normal.
I stepped into the hallway slowly, my thoughts still spinning.
Was the world really coming to an end?
"Clover!"
Jane suddenly ran toward me.
"You saw what happened, right?" she said, grabbing my shoulders. "Those creatures! I'm so glad you're okay!"
"Me too," I said softly holding her hands firmly and squeezing it gently.
"But how did the creatures disappear?" I asked.
Jane shook her head nervously.
"I don't know. I ran into the classroom and hid. When I came out… they were just gone I told her."
She shivered.
"I was running earlier and tripped. One of those monsters was about to attack me… but it suddenly disappeared in mid air just like that."
I hugged her gently.
She suddenly pulled away and stared at me.
"Clover… your eyes."
"Huh?"
"My glasses must have fallen during the attack," I said.
Jane handed me a small mirror.
I looked at my reflection.
My eyes were back to their normal crimson color.
Seems like Dylan really had returned my to my original look.
Just then—
"Clover."
I turned.
It was Dave.
"I'll leave you two," Jane said quickly with a mischievous smile. Don't forget to grab your opportunity and don't forget to "Call me later."
Then she hurried away.
I faced Dave again.
"I hope you're okay," I said.
"I am. What about you?"
"I'm fine."
An awkward silence followed.
"About what happened earlier—" I began.
"Why did you run away with him?" Dave suddenly asked.
"I didn't mean to," I explained quickly. "Everything happened so fast. I didn't even realize when he grabbed me."
Dave nodded slowly.
"I thought I noticed your unusual eyes color earlier but it seems like I was mistaken he said".
Yeah. I guess you were i said dismissively.
"Let me walk you home."
"No, it's okay," I said. "I can go alone."
"But I want to."
I couldn't refuse.
So we walked together in silence until we reached my house.
"Thank you," I said.
I turned to leave.
But Dave suddenly grabbed my arm.
I looked back at him, confused.
"What do you think of me?" he asked.
I blinked.
"Pardon?"
"Do you mind… being my girlfriend?"
My heart froze.
If this had happened before… I would have been the happiest girl alive.
But now…
My life was a mess.
And the last thing I wanted was to drag someone else into the abyss.
I looked at him, my emotions tangled.
"You don't have to answer today," Dave said quickly. "I'll wait."
"You can give me your answer when ever you are ready".
Then he hurried away.
****
Meanwhile…
"We leave in three days," Dylan ordered Bruno.
"Make sure everything is prepared."
Bruno hesitated before speaking.
"Why was that human here?"
Dylan remained silent for a moment.
Then he said quietly,
"She is the reincarnation of Queen Ellen."
Bruno's eyes widened in shock.
"I will not decide her fate for her," Dylan continued.
"She must make the decision herself."