章 2: Chapter 2
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Hikaru's POV
I couldn't help but smile helplessly, feeling the undeniable control this devil of a man had over my heart and mind. The subtle smirk tugging at his lips was all it took to throw me into disarray.
"Your Highness, would you mind if I tagged along?" I asked, moving to his side, my gaze locked on him. His eyes lingered on me for a moment, sharp and calculating, as if weighing his decision.
After a pause, he replied, "No… I wouldn't mind. I was just heading back to the palace."
His words filled me with quiet joy, and before I could stop myself, I reached out and intertwined our fingers. To my surprise, he didn't pull away. He didn't pull away.
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Zeldris's POV
When I first came across this incubus, I thought nothing of him. He didn't stand out. His kind's racial passive ability, Seductive Charm, had no effect on me—I had resistance to such tricks.
At least, that's what I told myself.
But something about him lingered in my mind. It wasn't the first time this sensation had gnawed at me, and I was starting to get irritated. I'd never felt anything like it before.
So when he asked to accompany me, my first instinct was to refuse. I even opened my mouth to do so. But then, that feeling surged again, like a voice urging me to say yes. I frowned, fighting it off, but it was persistent. Eventually, I sighed and relented.
"No… I wouldn't mind. I was just heading back to the palace."
The moment I agreed, that sensation vanished as if satisfied. I glanced at the incubus and expected him to walk beside me, but instead, he reached for my hand and intertwined our fingers.
My eyes widened.
Is he serious?
I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, ready to pull away, but I hesitated. His hand felt soft—almost fragile, like I could break it if I gripped too tightly. Against my better judgment, I squeezed it gently.
Strange… It's not unpleasant.
I guided him through the streets, ignoring the murmurs of the lesser demons around us. Their whispers meant nothing to me. Bottom-feeders have no right to question me.
But I noticed something I hadn't expected. The incubus was blushing—his face flushed a bright, rosy red. I felt a small, fleeting sense of amusement before I brushed it aside.
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Hikaru's POV
When I felt him gently squeeze my hand, I froze for a second. My heart skipped a beat, and my face burned even hotter. Was that on purpose?
I shook my head, trying to clear away the blush threatening to consume me. I trailed beside him, eyes flickering to the demons around us. Some looked shocked, others whispered among themselves, their gazes darting between Zeldris and me. The rumors are probably already spreading, I thought with a small chuckle.
I glanced up ahead and saw it—the Demon King's palace. It was massive, its grandeur unrivaled, towering like a fortress of power and authority. What happened to it in the future? I wondered, recalling the desolate wasteland that Meliodas and his group fought in. Did it get destroyed in the war?
I turned my gaze to Zeldris, considering something bold. Since he let me hold his hand, maybe… maybe I could link our arms. But before I could act on it, I stopped myself. Baby steps, Hikaru. Baby steps.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't even realize we'd arrived at the front gates until I heard a sharp voice call out.
"Master Zeldris!"
I snapped out of my thoughts, my eyes darting to the source of the voice. A presence. A powerful presence. The pressure hit me like a tidal wave, my instincts flaring in panic. My first reaction was immediate—I ducked behind Zeldris like a child hiding from a monster.
And in a way, I was.
There he stood—Cusack, the right hand of the Demon King, one half of the Original Demon. His eyes were sharp as daggers, his aura suffocating. I could feel it, the weight of his power pressing down on me like thousands of needles piercing my skin.
"Yes, Cusack?" Zeldris's voice was calm, steady, unbothered.
I trembled behind him, cursing myself. Why am I hiding? By all logic, I'm stronger than Zeldris right now, but logic had no say in this situation. Cusack was a predator, and I felt like prey.
His gaze shifted to me. I knew the moment he noticed me because his eyes narrowed. His lips curled slightly in disgust.
Then I felt it.
Killing intent.
It wasn't subtle. It wasn't controlled. It hit me directly like a hammer to the chest. My breathing turned shallow, my heart racing in terror. My knees almost gave out as my body trembled uncontrollably. Instinctively, I clung to Zeldris's back, whimpering softly.
Zeldris noticed immediately. He turned, his sharp green eyes flashing with a rare intensity.
"Cusack. Stop."
The command was short, simple, but absolute.
The weight lifted instantly. I gasped, taking in a deep breath, feeling like I'd just been dragged out of deep water. I stayed behind Zeldris, still shaken, watching Cusack warily.
Then I felt it—Zeldris's arm shifting behind me. His hand, the one that had been holding mine, moved to my waist. He gripped me firmly but gently, pulling me closer to his side. His touch was steady, secure. Warm.
What… is he doing?
I glanced up at him, my face bright red, but he was staring straight at Cusack. Cusack, however, seemed… thoughtful. His sharp eyes darted between me and Zeldris, and something like realization crossed his face. His lips pressed into a thin line as if he'd figured something out.
"I apologize," Cusack said smoothly, his tone polite but cold. "I was merely surprised to sense such a strong incubus nearby."
Smooth. I narrowed my eyes at him, my wariness not fading. I nodded in response, pretending to accept his apology. He's just trying to stay in Zeldris's good graces.
I stayed close to Zeldris, my eyes locked with Cusack's. We stared at each other in tense silence, both of us assessing the other. It was a quiet, unspoken battle of wills.
Both of us wore fake smiles.
"It's alright. Don't worry." My voice was sweet, but my eyes were sharp.
=Bitch.=
I swore I could hear it in his thoughts.
=Whore.= (Cusack's thoughts, probably.)
I almost snorted but held it in. So that's how it is, huh? Fine. He could call me whatever he wanted. As long as he didn't cross the line, I wouldn't bother him. That was the unspoken agreement.
I leaned toward Zeldris, lowering my voice so only he could hear me.
"Is there a library I can visit?"
His eyes flickered to me briefly before he gave a small nod.
---
Some demons are just angels protecting their own heart.
So it takes a while to see before they let you in
____
I hope you liked it😅
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