Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Illa kept hugging Melody, she seemed a bit off. Those stones must have a really strong influence on her. Illia wasn't sure what to do. It was already dark outside and they were in the forbidden area. All the monsters will be out and he had no weapon with him. Melody was losing her focus, that was bad. For a brief moment Illia didn't know what to do. On the one hand they shouldn't leave the cave as it was a safe place with all those barrier stones, on the other Melody seemed to feel worse the longer she was staying here. Illia was still holding her tight thinking what he could do.
"Melody, I will pick some of these stones and we will leave this place OK?" Illa knew some simple barrier spells, with that amount of barrier stones they should be protected and will be able to get to the border. At least he hoped it would be possible. He placed Melody on the ground and quickly started to collect the stones from the walls. He has chosen a few really big ones. He knew he had little time. The problem was that he could use only rocks to separate the stones. His fingers were bleeding as some splits cut them deep. He managed to collect five pieces which he put in his pockets.
"Melody, Melody." Illia grabbed her but she wasn't responding. He lifted her and carried to the entrance of the cave.
It was indeed dark outside, the more because they were in the forest. As soon as they went out Illia could feel it. He sensed the presence of them. His eyes were adjusted to the darkness, he could see them well. They were standing behind the trees, waiting. Illia whispered the words of the barrier. The stones were glowing in his pocket as well as the one in his hand. The light bluish light was his only line of defense. His heart was beating fast, he could see the glowing eyes watching his every move. Something snapped at them yet they kept their distance unable to move closer. It was good that Melody didn't have to see it. Illia noticed she was breathing more lightly the further they were away from the cave.
He was walking slowly looking to the sides, the werewolves were surrounding them. With every step he made, he also felt that they were coming a bit closer. He could hear them growl. Melody slowly opened her eyes.
"Melody." Illia whispered. "You're all right?" Illia hugged her a bit more.
"I feel weak. Where are we?" Melody wanted to look around but Illia covered her head .
"Melody, close your eyes and focus on me. It will be over soon." He was trying to calm her down. Melody closed her eyes, yet she heard them. She immediately felt their presence, she had goosebumps. The sounds of deep growls, the rustles of many feet following them.
"Illia, are they going to attack us?" She whispered.
"No Melody, thanks to the barrier stones you have found we are safe." He assured her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her face in the crook of his neck. The beating of Illias heart and even his smell calmed her down.
"We are close to the barriers."
His breath became heavier, Melody knew he must have been tired from carrying her all the way but she was still too weak to walk. Illia stumbled but managed to keep his balance. Melody opened her eyes. They were all around them, she saw their glowing eyes, unnatural shape of body. The werewolves were excited, they were coming closer. One of them actually tried to attack them. Melody flinched and held Illia so tight that she almost choked him. At the same moment there was a blue flash and the werewolf was pushed away by an invisible force.
"It's ok Melody, we're almost out."
Melody nodded, she was so scared. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She didn't want to be a burden to Illia but she couldn't help it.
The werewolves became more aggressive, they were trying to attack them time and again. The stones however kept them away, a high pitched yelp of pain and silence, then another attempt to break the barrier surrounding them. Illia was tired, Melody could feel it. his arms were becoming weaker.
"Illia, I will walk. I can do it." She whispered.
"It's fine Melody, just a few steps more."
Heavy breathing and faster heartbeat, that was all she wanted to focus on. She felt a slight tingle and they finally crossed the barrier. They were safe.
Illia placed Melody on the ground.
"Can you walk?" He asked quietly.
"Yes, let's leave this place." The wasteland monsters were still visual in the dark and melody wanted to move away as fast as she could. Her legs were still shaky but she was able to move along.
"Ilia, where's Torib?"
"He went back to the village to get more men." Illia was holding her hand and was helping her to walk in the darkness of the night.
"How do you feel Melody?"
"I'm fine, just a bit weak. I feel like I could sleep for a week." She explained while walking slowly, paying attention to what's on the ground.
"Melody, did .. did Jin hurt you?"
It took Melody a moment to realize what Illia was actually asking her about.
"No, he didn't. He kissed me though." Melody decided to be honest there was no point lying about it.
Illia was quiet for a moment and Melody started to feel uneasy again.
"Are you angry with me? " She asked after a while.
"No." Was the immediate answer.
"I'm angry with myself, I didn't manage to protect my future wife."
Melody stopped, she could vaguely see Ilias face in the moonlight. She came closer and standing on her tiptoes placed a kiss on his lips. Illia placed his hands on her waist and kissed her again. This time it was a long kiss and Melody hugged him tightly. She felt her heart pounding in her chest.
"You see Illia, whatever Jin took by force is yours out of my free will." She said when they finished kissing.
— New chapter is coming soon — Write a review
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone