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The moonlight poured through the ornate windows of the mansion. Syrup Village slept peacefully—but within Kaya's home, monsters moved.
Kaya hummed quietly, wrapping a towel around her slender frame as she stepped out of the bath. The steam clung to her skin, mixing with the sweet scent of rose oil. She felt slightly better. The past few days had been stressful, and Rael's presence had helped soothe her nerves, even if she didn't understand why.
She walked toward her wardrobe when—
Creak.
The door opened slowly.
A man stood there. Then another. And another.
Three of them, soaked in shadow, faces hidden behind cheap cloth masks and wicked smiles.
"What—who are you?!" Kaya backed away in panic, her hands clenching the towel tighter.
One of the men licked his lips. "Didn't expect you to look this good, rich girl."
"We were just supposed to kill you, but…" another one chuckled darkly, "why not have a little fun first?"
Kaya's heart pounded in her chest.
"N-no… Someone! Help!" she screamed.
The men stepped closer.
Then—
BOOM.
The window shattered.
A gust of wind blew in—and so did Rael.
His golden eyes burned with fury. His cloak whipped behind him as he landed silently between Kaya and the masked men.
"Touch her," he said coldly, "and die."
The three men froze.
One of them drew a dagger and lunged forward.
Rael moved before the blade even reached his side.
A fist crushed the man's face.
Another scream. Another man lunged—Rael caught him by the throat and slammed him into the floor hard enough to crack the wood.
The last turned to run.
He didn't get far.
Rael's foot connected with the back of his head and sent him flying into the wall.
Kaya stood frozen, wide-eyed, trembling. She clutched her towel tighter, her breathing shallow.
"Close your eyes," Rael said softly, without looking back.
She did.
Without hesitation.
Behind him, the men stirred—barely alive.
But they wouldn't be for long.
Rael walked past them, his eyes unreadable, and finished what needed to be done—quick, clean, and silent.
Blood stained the floor. But Kaya saw none of it.
She opened her eyes only when she felt his warm presence before her again.
"You… saved me," she whispered.
"I said I would," Rael replied.
"Why would Klahadore—?"
The door to her room slammed open.
Standing there was the man she had once trusted.
"Klahadore…" Kaya whispered in horror.
But he looked different now. His glasses were gone, and his eyes gleamed with something twisted. His voice, no longer soft or polite, was filled with venom.
"No use pretending anymore," he growled. "You were supposed to be asleep."
Kaya backed away instinctively.
"You were going to kill me," she said, her voice cracking.
"I was going to inherit this estate," Kuro snapped. "You're just in the way."
Rael stepped between them.
"Another worm who hides behind smiles."
Kuro sneered. "And you—who are you supposed to be? Another sword-swinging fool?"
Rael didn't answer.
Kuro stepped forward, and with a flick of his fingers, his long claws extended—razor-sharp.
He vanished for a split second, moving fast.
But Rael was faster.
CLANG!
Their clash echoed through the room. Kuro's claws met Rael's forearm—and stopped cold. No blood. No reaction.
Rael grabbed Kuro by the wrist.
Kuro's eyes widened.
"W-What…?"
Rael tightened his grip.
"You're not strong enough to scare children," Rael said. "Let alone face me."
Kuro pulled back, trying to slash again—but Rael dodged effortlessly and landed a punch in his gut that sent Kuro flying across the room, crashing into the far wall.
He coughed blood, eyes filled with disbelief.
"What… what are you…?"
Rael stepped forward calmly. "Someone who doesn't forgive scum."
Kuro staggered to his feet. His breath hitched. He looked toward Kaya, then Rael—and then turned and ran toward the shattered window.
"I'll remember this," Kuro spat, disappearing into the night.
Rael didn't chase him.
Not because he couldn't—but because the real threat had passed.
For now.
Moments later, Kaya stood near the doorway, a robe draped around her now. She was trembling, but there was determination in her eyes.
"I thought I knew him," she whispered. "He was like family."
Rael said nothing, simply watching the night sky from the open window.
"You saved my life," she continued.
He looked over his shoulder. "You should rest. You're safe now."
"But… will you stay?" she asked, almost pleading.
He hesitated for just a second.
Then nodded.
"Just for tonight."
Kaya smiled softly and closed her eyes, tears falling silently down her cheeks.
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