Chapter 5: On a mission together

He moved toward the berd, adjusting the sheets slightly before folding a comer of the blanket into something smaller.

A space just for her.

Not perfect but enough.

"...This will do."

When he turned back, Zia had already finished most of the bun, holding the last piece loosely in her hand.

He walked over and picked her up again, a little more naturally this time.

Less hesitation,

More... familiarity.

Placing her gently onto the bed, he adjusted the blanket around her small frame.

She didn't resist. Didn't question.

Just looked at him.

Calm and trusting.

Lucien paused,

Then looked away first.

Silence settled again.

But this time-his mind didn't rest.

His gaze drifted slightly, unfocused.

Her power. Healing. Presence.

The way both angels and demons reacted to her.

"...Too much," he muttered.

Too many unknowns.

Too many risks.

If someone got their hands on her angel or demon the outcome wouldn't be balance.

It would be control.

Power.

Something far worse.

Lucien's expression darkened slightly.

"...No one gets her."

Not angels.

Not demons.

Not anyone

His eyes shifted back to the bed.

Zia had already curled up slightly, the oversized shirt bunching around her as she grew comfortable in the space he made.

Small and quiet.

Defenseless.

At least.... that's how she looked.

Lucien knew better now.

But still that didn't change his decision.

He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his gaze steady.

Whatever she was....

Whatever she could become...It was dangerous.

Too dangerous for the world.

And exactly why she had to be protected.

At any cost

The night passed quietly.

No disturbances and no shadows creeping at the edges.

For once... peace.

Morning light slipped through the window.

Lucien was already awake

Sitting at the edge of the room, silent, still, as if he hadn't slept at all.

His eyes shifted slightly toward the bed, Zia was asleep, curled into the blanket, her small form barely visible beneath the oversized shirt. Her breathing was soft, steady.

Safe

For now.

A faint sound broke the silence.

A signal.

Lucien's gaze sharpened instantly.

He stood and moved toward the source, retrieving the message left for him.

Another mission.

His eyes scanned it quickly.

Location.

Target.

Immediate action required.

As always.

Lucien's grip tightened slightly.

"...Not now."

For a moment, he considered it.

Refusing.

Staying.

Keeping her hidden.

But that wouldn't work.

He knew it.

He was the best hunter in the guild.

He never declined missions.

If he did now questions would follow.

Suspicion.

Attention.

Exactly what he couldn't afford.

Lucien exhaled quietly, his thoughts settling into something colder... more practical.

"...I don't have a choice."

Protecting her in secret and maintaining his position-both had to continue.

At the same time.

His gaze shifted back to her.

"...Then you come with me."

By the time Zia woke, everything was ready.

Lucien stood near the door, already geared, his expression calm but firm.

Zia blinked sleepily, sitting up with a small wobble, her eyes adjusting to the light.

Lucien walked over and crouched in front of her.

"No staying behind today."

She didn't understand.

But she watched him closely.

He reached out, gently putting her in a cloak pulling the hood over her head, adjusting it carefully to cover her horns.

"Don't take this off."

Her face peeked out from beneath it, slightly hidden now.

Her fangs still there.

Still impossible to ignore.

Lucien stared for a second.

"...Just don't smile too much."

Zia smiled wider.

Showing them clearly. Lucien closed his eyes briefly.

"...Right."

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