Ricardo was getting impatient. He had been waiting for days without a single update. The manor was filled with the smell of wine, perfume, and smoke, but none of it distracted him anymore.
He sat back on his lavish couch, gripping his goblet tightly while two women leaned against him, laughing at something he didn't even hear. His mind was elsewhere.
"Where the hell is he…"
He muttered, teeth gritted.
Just then, the door burst open. One of his men entered, panting.
"My Lord! He's here. He brought her."
Ricardo shot up from his seat, wide-eyed.
"Finally! Hah! That bastard actually pulled it off?"
He shoved the women aside and fixed his hair, brushing down his wrinkled shirt. Excitement lit up his face as he walked toward the main hall, humming to himself.
"Tonight's going to be special."
In the main room, Azel sat calmly on a cushioned seat. Anna lay beside him, apparently unconscious, her head gently resting against his shoulder. Her pink shawl still draped over her mouth, her body limp like she'd truly passed out.
Ricardo strode in and whistled.
"Well, well… I didn't think you had it in you, kid."
Azel didn't respond to the tone. He just glanced at Ricardo, silent and calm.
Ricardo walked closer and studied Anna's body.
"So, what'd you do? Drug her? Charm her? Threaten her?"
"I used the time you gave me. That's all. I did what you asked. She's here. She'll be out for a while. That's all you need to know."
"Hmph. Doesn't matter. As long as she's out. I've got all night."
His eyes gleamed with hunger. He reached out to touch her, but Azel slightly leaned, blocking him.
"Don't touch her yet. The deal. I want to see the gold."
Ricardo rolled his eyes but snapped his fingers. A bulky servant entered with a large pouch and dropped it with a heavy thud. It was bulging—at least 300 gold, as promised.
"There. Now scram. She's mine now."
Azel didn't move. His stare sharpened.
"What are you going to do with her?"
Ricardo raised an eyebrow.
"Are you seriously asking me that now? You've been paid. I don't answer to you."
"You plan to chain her. Bind her with anti-magic, right?"
"You're overstepping, boy."
He motioned to the guards.
"Get this little rat out of here."
Two men stepped forward.
Forbanna's voice echoed in Azel's mind.
"This man's disgusting. He deserves worse than death."
Azel didn't answer her. His gaze was on Ricardo, sharp and unmoving.
Then, Anna stirred.
—––
A few minutes earlier.....
As they stood at the gate of the manor, Anna looked at him with serious eyes.
"This is it, then?"
"Yeah. I'll go in first. Once I get the gold, we run."
"That means we'll be enemies with the Vladimir house."
"I know. We'll leave the continent. Elrem's a good place. Fewer churches, fewer eyes. We can live quietly."
"You said you wanted to see my magic right? I'll show you."
"You'll take the lead?"
"Yes."
Forbanna hummed in his mind.
"You sure you want to leave it all to her?"
"She's strong. I trust her."
—––
Anna opened her eyes. Her lashes fluttered, and for a moment, she looked confused. Then her expression sharpened as she saw the two guards approaching Azel.
Her hand twitched.
A sudden wave of invisible force hit the guards. They froze in place, unable to move. Their weapons dropped with a clatter.
Ricardo looked on, stunned.
"What the—?!"
Anna stood up, adjusting her shawl. Her voice came cold and firm.
"You were trying to hurt my husband."
Ricardo blinked, then laughed harshly.
"Husband? You? Who the hell would marry a filthy slut like you—"
He didn't finish his sentence.
Just then.....
"Azel! calm down."
A crackle of cursed energy filled the room. Ricardo turned.
Azel stood, one hand extended, black flames dancing around his fingers. They licked the air just inches from Ricardo's face.
"Calm down. Don't go maniac here. It will cause trouble."
Azel nodded and stepped back leaving the rest to Anna.
Anna stepped forward. Her eyes glowed faintly with violet light.
"Void Magic: Absolute Stillness."
The room went silent.
Everyone—guards, servants, even Ricardo—froze in place, locked by invisible chains. They struggled, but their bodies didn't respond. Their muscles wouldn't move. Panic spread across their faces.
Azel watched it all unfold, almost impressed.
Anna walked toward Ricardo. Her steps were slow, graceful. She stopped right in front of him.
Her voice dropped into a whisper, deadly calm.
"Don't ever try to chase him again. Don't even think about it. If you do… I'll send you into the eternal void. And trust me, it's worse than death."
Ricardo's eyes bulged in horror, but his mouth couldn't move.
Anna turned back, her eyes meeting Azel's.
"Let's go."
Azel nodded. He bent down, grabbed the pouch of gold from the floor, and slung it over his shoulder.
They walked out together, leaving Ricardo and his men frozen like statues behind them.
Once outside, Anna sighed and looked up at the sky.
"That felt good."
"That so?"
She smiled and nodded.
"Will they remain that way forever?"
"No, they will be return to normal after few hours."
Azel didn't reply, but he looked at Anna a little longer than he meant to.
"Let's leave this city."
"What about your house?"
She reached for his hand, holding it gently before replying.
"It doesn't matter. Wherever you go, I'll go."
END OF PROLOGUE!