Chapter 546: Something More
I stared at Luke, too stunned for even my tail to twitch. His grip on my hands was soft and warm, sending shivers down my spine, but it was his eyes that held me captive. They were dark and intense, filled with a conviction I had never seen before. I could see myself reflected in the shadows dancing within his irises, a glimpse of how he saw me: a small, fragile girl with large, fearful eyes, yearning for safety and peace. Someone to be protected.
"Why?" I whispered, my voice barely audible, still unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Luke’s grip tightened on my hands, his calloused thumbs slowly caressing my palms. It was close and intimate, but I was feeling too lost to be embarrassed. Everything I’d thought I’d known had been turned on its head. Luke was just like Soltair. He should have been even worse, even, focused solely on how he could use and manipulate everyone to achieve. So why? Why had he jeopardized everything for me?
All of the stress and anxiety of the moment proved too much for me, and tears welled up in my eyes. I bit my lip, holding back a sob, as Luke pulled me forward into a hug. It wasn’t anything intimate, nor did I return the gesture, but his arms held me all the same.
"It’s alright, Xiviyah," he murmured, gently patting my back. "There’s nothing to be afraid of anymore."
A loud cough caused him to stiffen, and he pulled back as quickly as he embraced me. His hand lingered in mine for a second longer, before he reluctantly let me go. For some reason, I felt a small surge of disappointment as he did so, but quickly suppressed the feeling, turning to see Fyren standing behind us.
"So she proved her a disloyal servant, after all," Fyren said, gazing evenly at Luke. "I suppose it’s no surprise she was disposed of."
"She made Xiviyah cry," Luke answered, returning the fire demon’s gaze.
Fyren raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I seem to recall hearing you did much the same. When did that crime become punishable by death?"
"Fyren," I said, taking his large hand in mine and looking up at him with pleading eyes.
I didn’t understand how or what to feel about Luke, but he had killed Ixtra for me, and I’d forgiven him for hurting and manipulating me before. I owed him this much, at least.