Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

"So many things happened...

" Valerie muttered under her breath as she rested her head on his arm and snuggled closer to her beloved.

Austin told her the whole story, of course, omitted that part where he stabs himself.

Thankfully, Adam also didn't say anything about that incident or he doesn't know how Valerie would have reacted.

"It was...

overwhelming.

I felt I could achieve anything with that power.

" Austin spoke in a daze, his eyes locked on the ceiling and mind recalling the power he felt while holding Scar.

"It explains now," Valerie suddenly spoke, "The reason you can change the shape of your Shard better than others is that your original Shard allows you to mold your soul in any form.

"Her words were met by a thoughtful nod from his end.

If Scar has the ability to change the form completely, then he can change the size of the Frost Fang according to his will.

After all, Frost Fang is also a part of his soul.

"Did you discern the ability of your Shard?

" Valerie asked with a curious look in her eyes.

She has always been interested in his affinity.

In her mind, Austin always had an affinity for thunder, so she was expecting that.

However, "....

as far as I could guess, it was Darkness.

"Valerie was taken aback, but she didn't say anything to interrupt him and heard him adding, "The energy that erupted from my Shard devoured everything around me.

I still can't be sure but my Shard's ability is unique.

" And terrifying.

He refrained from adding the last part to not make her worried.

Austin felt certain hollowness when he looked at those dead bodies as if he was detached from everything and was just here to finish the job.

That's why Ameytr's words about Austin getting abandoned in the end affected him so much.

A power so terrifying that can make you hesitate to use it.

"Hey, look at me," Seeing his growing concern, she rested her soft hand on his cheek and made him look at her.

Those violet orbs contained evident warmth that broke Austin's train of thought and forced him to focus only on her.

Valerie was inches apart from him, that's why her hushed voice reached him clearly, "Whatever happens from now on, we will be on it together.

You don't need to shoulder the burden alone.

I know I can fall short at times, but I will improve myself to stand beside you.

"Austin's heart was filled with warmth at those words, but soon a soft smile got her curious, "What is it?

"Austin slowly shook his head and said, "I used to think like that in the not-so-distant past.

" Austin always pushed himself beyond limits since he knew he had to put extra effort into protecting Valerie.

However, things have changed now.

And Austin has mixed feelings about this.

Kissing her head, he softly spoke, "Just as you never abandoned me, I also would never even think of leaving you behind.

For better, for worse...

in sickness and in health, I want you to be by my side all the time.

"Valerie couldn't explain the feelings she was experiencing right now.

She felt the safest in his arms.

The happiest when he whispers sweet things in her ears.

And the luckiest to have this man as her partner.

They have overcome the moments of separation.

Now she was going to cling to him with her life.

°°°°°°°°°°"Haa…" Rhea exhaled softly as she stood atop the old watchtower, gazing down at the quiet town below.

This was the place where she grew up.

The place where her memories lived—being chased by hens, laughing with the neighborhood kids, getting scolded by her mother, strolling through the market with her father.

Each moment tucked away deep inside her heart, like pages of an old, worn book.

Being here brought it all rushing back.

Morkel stood quietly to the side, watching the peaceful expression on her face.

There was a softness in her eyes that made him smile.

A sudden gust of wind made Rhea shiver.

It was colder up here than she remembered.

But before she could say anything, she felt something warm drape over her shoulders.

She turned to her left and saw her teacher smiling at her.

"It was a bit too much for me anyway," he said casually.

"Please carry it for me.

"Rhea's cheeks flushed as a small smile curved her lips.

The warmth of his coat didn't just touch her skin—it reached deeper, wrapping around her heart.

"Thank you," she murmured, voice barely above the wind.

Morkel gave a small nod, and for a while, they stood there in silence.

A silence that felt calm, not awkward.

Just the two of them, sharing the view and the moment.

Then Morkel spoke, "Do you want to have a place here?

I asked around, and you don't need a citizenship proof to buy a house.

"He believed, deep down, that Rhea might want to stay.

This place seemed to bring her peace.

And it was close to the academy too—it made sense.

Rhea took a slow breath, then shook her head.

"No… I won't come back here again.

"Morkel turned to her, surprised.

But he didn't speak.

He waited.

"This place," Rhea continued, "pulls me into the past.

And those memories… they'll only make me sad.

They'll tempt me to hold on, even if it means losing the present.

I want to move forward.

I want to grow.

And nothing should stand in the way of that.

So thank you… for bringing me here.

But this was my last visit.

"Morkel blinked, taken aback.

Not just by her words, but by the strength behind them.

She didn't want to be held down by grief.

She wanted to walk ahead, even if it meant letting go.

"Admirable," he said quietly, the word slipping out before he could stop it.

Rhea's face turned rosy, and she looked away, coughing lightly.

Morkel quickly cleared his throat, embarrassed.

That sounded so weird...

he scolded himself.

"So… shall we head down?

"Rhea nodded.

"Yes, let's go.

"As they made their way down the narrow stairs, Morkel leading the way, he heard her voice behind him.

"Thank you, Professor.

Not just for bringing me here… but for staying.

"His steps slowed for just a second before he smiled to himself.

"Once, you saved me," he said gently.

"I'm just returning the favor.

"Just returning the favor… That was the only lie he allowed himself.

Because if he ever told her the truth… she might not look at him the same way again.

A quiet sigh escaped his lips.

°°°°°°°°°°°A/N:- Thanks for reading.

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