[Alvar’s POV—Guest Chamber—Regulfsson Mansion]

After hearing the truth—that the Divine Dragon had been awakened—I had been forced to confront a terrifying possibility.

At first, I thought it might be Leif. His aura, the sheer amount of divine energy he possessed... it was almost overwhelming when I found that he possessed divine power. That’s why I kept visiting Thorenvald Estate, under the guise of concern, checking, observing... hoping, praying, that everything would appear normal.

And yet, each time, everything seemed... ordinary. Mundane. Safe. A relief—but a fragile one.

Because I knew the story that had been neglected.

The chosen vessel wasn’t just a hero. The vessel carried a burden: if dark power attacked, if calamity struck, they would pay the ultimate price. One could wield enormous power, yes—but it came with a cost. A price that no one should ever face willingly.

And now... hearing Leif’s words shattered that fragile calm.

"I... I very much unintentionally... awakened the Divine Dragon. And now... he’s... living with me. As... a blue kitty."

My chest tightened. My stomach dropped.

No. That meant—if something awakened the Devil... if dark power found its way to him...

Leif is someone who will willingly fight with the devil.

The thought alone made my hands curl into fists. I swallowed hard, forcing down the panic clawing at my chest. I couldn’t... I couldn’t let anything happen to him. Not him. Not ever.

I stepped closer, wrapping him in my arms, feeling the warmth and softness of him against my chest. He tilted his head, blinking up at me with innocent confusion.

"Leif...?" I murmured, my voice low, trembling with fear I couldn’t fully hide.

"Hmm?" His tone was light, unaware of the storm in my heart.

I cupped his face, my thumb brushing gently across his cheek. "No matter what... do not reveal your true powers to anyone. Not a soul."

He froze for a moment, confusion knitting his brows. Then, slowly, a radiant smile spread across his face, lighting up the room. "I knew it... I knew you would support me."

My heart clenched, part relief, part fear. I tightened my arms, holding him as though the world itself could tear us apart at any moment.

Leif tiptoed slightly, planting a soft kiss on my lips. "Honestly... who wants to be the Chosen Vessel and handle empire business when I can just scratch my butt and eat snacks and drink beer?"

Despite myself, a faint smile touched my lips. His innocence... his lightheartedness... it was almost unbearable when I wanted so badly to shield him from everything. I stroked his cheeks gently with my thumb. "Yes. You don’t need to take responsibility... not when I am here."

I pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, the protective instinct in me roaring. "...And you should leave for Frojnholm as soon as the event ends."

He nodded, eyes sparkling with trust. "Yes. Mom said she’ll manage my business here... so I can relax and go."

I let out a silent breath. For now, this is safe. Leif is safe at Frojnholm, far from those who would seek to exploit his power—far from Elowen and anyone else who might try to take what belongs to him.

But deep down... the fear never truly leaves. I would guard him with my life, and I would make sure no one—no one—ever harms him.

Because he is mine.

Leif peeked up from my chest, his hair tickling my chin, eyes gleaming with that childish brightness I could never resist. "Should we go have fun at the market tomorrow?"

A faint laugh escaped me despite the heaviness sitting in my chest. "Of course. What do you want to do?"

He snuggled closer, his voice muffled against me. "Just eat junk food... and have a fun, romantic date with you."

I smiled, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. "Alright, whatever my love wishes."

He made a small, satisfied hum and nestled deeper into my arms. I could feel his warmth, his heartbeat—so alive, so unbothered by the weight of the world.

My hand moved on its own, gently patting his hair. He didn’t notice how tightly I held him, how my fingers trembled each time I thought of what fate demanded from the Chosen Vessel .

I am terrified. But I’ll do anything— anything —to protect him.

Because Leif is mine.

And I pray... no one ever awakens the Devil.

***

[Leif’s POV – The Next Morning—Guest Chamber]

"What are you doing here?"

I glared at the blue menace perched comfortably on my bed, tail flicking like he owned the place. The so-called Divine Dragon yawned, stretched his tiny paws, and had the nerve to look offended.

"Well..." Zephyy drawled, avoiding my eyes, "I was wondering what my master was doing without me."

I crossed my arms. "You told me you’d stay away from us, the couple who might do anything at any moment."

He smirked—yes, smirked, the audacity— "C’mon, master. We’re bound to each other, remember? I can’t stay away from your irresistible aura for long."

I leaned closer, squinting at him. "Irresistible aura, my foot. You just want snacks again."

Before Zephyy could reply, the door opened.

"Leif, let’s go."

Alvar stepped in, composed as ever, his voice smooth but cold. Then his gaze fell on the bed. His eyes narrowed as he scanned zephyy. "So... this is the Divine Dragon?"

Zephyy froze mid-tail flick, eyes wide. "H-Huh? How does he know?"

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "I told him already, Zephyy."

"Oh..." He blinked. "Betrayal from my own master. How tragic."

"And...when did I betray you?"

Alvar’s stare could have turned the room into ice. "So the Divine Dragon can talk to you?"

I nodded, slipping on my black cloak. "Yup. Only I can hear him. Lucky me, right?"

Alvar gave a short nod but his eyes were still fixed on Zephyy, who, in return, puffed his chest and glared right back. Wonderful. My boyfriend and my dragon glaring contest, round one.

"Alright, enough," I said, scooping up Zephyy. "Shift into pocket mode, mister."

He sighed dramatically, glowing faintly before shrinking into his smaller, kitten-like form. I tucked him into my pocket, where he peeked out, sulking.

"Let’s go!" I clapped my hands and grinned wide. "It’s time to have FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNN!!!"

Zephyy brightened from my pocket. "I want blue cotton candy..."

***

[Capital City – Commoner’s Market]

"Get a fried chicken for free! Finish in thirty seconds and you don’t have to pay!"

The vendor’s voice boomed over the lively crowd, and my soul immediately left my body to follow the smell of sizzling, spicy glory.

"Should I... participate?" I muttered, eyes glued to the tower of golden, crispy chicken. My stomach purred louder than Zephyy ever did.

From my pocket, a tiny head popped out. "I’ll help you too, master!" Zephyy’s eyes gleamed like he was ready for battle.

But before I could dive headfirst into fried heaven, a firm hand caught mine.

"Leif," Alvar said in that calm, deep tone that always sounded like an unspoken no . "We just arrived. You can attack the chicken later. For now—" his eyes softened, "let’s buy some ornaments for you."

I was physically dragged away from the scent of chili and oil, my body turning behind me like a lovesick ghost yearning for food. "But... Alvar! The chicken—look at it! It’s glistening!"

"Leif."

That one word—firm, low, commanding—was enough to make even Zephyy retreat back into my pocket like a scolded cat.

I huffed, dragging my feet. "Fine. I’ll just die starving and unloved."

Alvar chuckled softly beside me. "You can have it later, I promise. But not now. You already stuffed your stomach at lunch, remember?"

I pouted but nodded. "Alright... fine. Let’s look around then."

He laced his fingers with mine, his touch warm and steady against the cool autumn air. Together, we strolled through the bustling market—merchants calling out prices, laughter echoing from every corner, and the sweet smell of baked goods drifting past.

It felt almost too peaceful, until...

"Child..."

I froze.

Somewhere between the noise of haggling and the clinking of coins, an old voice rose—soft, shaky, yet strangely clear.

"Child... come here, my child..."

I turned, scanning the crowd until my gaze fell upon an old woman sitting behind a small jewelry stall. Her table was cluttered with trinkets, glinting stones, and silver charms, but it wasn’t her wares that caught me—it was her eyes. They were cloudy yet piercing, and for some reason, I felt... pulled.

"Come closer, my child," she said again, lips curling into a faint smile. "Perhaps you’ll find something here... something meant for you."

A strange shiver ran through me. My heart thudded faster—like something inside me recognized her voice.

"Alvar..." I whispered. "Let’s... go there."

He followed my gaze, eyes narrowing slightly as he saw the woman. "Alright," he said after a pause.

We walked toward the stall together. But with every step I took, the noise of the market seemed to fade—replaced by a soft hum in my ears, almost like a heartbeat... or a whisper.

And I couldn’t tell if it was the wind or something deeper that kept tugging me forward.