My Muse || READER X RAY || The Promised Neverland

⭐️ My Muse || Chapter 131

My eyes burned with tears, legs giving out at the sight of the empty base. Where- Where is everyone? Tables were thrown over, chairs landing on their sides. The dark green vines trailing the walls were scarred with ash. Doors were broken, left open, books and papers scatted across the floor. But no one was left. Only a dim, gray shadow of the bustling hideout stared back at me, no matter how many times I blinked. I slowly turned around, Ray and Norman's face the exact same shocked expression. "Where- Where's Zack? Yuugo? Emma, Oliver? Where are they?" I forced myself to my feet, climbing back out of the hole. "Nigel! Gillian!" I shouted, not expecting a reply. But the soft thudding of a person's body fell from the trees. Emma's emerald eyes sparkled when she saw me. A wave of relief cooled my body, the orange haired girl running into my arms. "Where's the kids?" Ray asked, joining the embrace. Gillian spoke up, her voice trembling. "G- Grace Field... The- The army said they were going t-to take them... To Grace Field." Zack stepped up, patting my head. "We'll explain on the way. We don't have time for small talk." I nodded, jumping back onto the horse. Barbara and Cislo had regained consciousness, and were a little too energetic for have battled a whole demon army. "Wee!" She shouted, bouncing up and down on her horse. I was glad that she was doing well. Cislo on the other hand, had lost his leg and was now clinging tightly to the girl's waist, trying to keep himself from throwing up. I buried my own face into Ray's back. This was the last time I could do this, and it started to settle in.

Oliver and Zack told us what happened. "After we separated, we had gone immediately back to the hideout, but we were too late." Nigel chimed in from behind. "The demons had assembled separate squadrons, and the first one had attacked right after you left." Oliver nodded, clutching the leather reigns tighter. He looked upset, disappointed that he couldn't help them. "As they were leaving, we ambushed a group of them on the back. That's when we learned they were going to Grace Field." "And that there's an army of 2,000 royal soldiers waiting for us." Yuugo hissed. He wasn't usually the pessimist, but I could tell that he didn't like the odds. The bleak mood started to spread, everyone's gazes falling to the floor. Even Ray's chest started to tighten, not finding any possibility where we could win.

But we had to. We had to win. I lifted my head from Ray's jacket, turning to our pack. "So what?" I called, smiling as brightly as I could. That's what I had to do for this family. I wanted them to be smiling, always. Vincent glared at me confusedly. "Do you have a plan or something?" I shook my head no, continuing to grin. He cringed, turning to the others with that look. "This girl is crazy," He seemed to say, sighing deeply. Yeah, I'm crazy. Insane, actually. I took a deep breath, making sure everyone heard me. "We're together now, guys. We're all together, on the same side. We've achieved so much, we've come so far. We changed the world. Cattle children, born in cages, raised as meat, were the ones to change a whole world. So it doesn't matter how many soldiers I have to fight. Two thousand, two million, it makes no difference to me! We've fought harder fights. We've felt worse pain. So don't give up! We can't stop now!" Norman, who had been silent, started to laugh loudly, along with Don and Gilda. Our horses skidded to a stop, the forest breaking on a familiar cliff. A cliff we'd trusted our freedom with more than two years ago. "y/n, you're wild. You're reckless. Stubborn. You never listen." Vincent nodded his head, agreeing with Norman's criticisms. "But that's what makes you great. I'll follow you, into that army looking for our heads. I'll follow you anywhere." His sapphire eyes sparkled under the afternoon sun. Vincent in complete shock, was silent. "God damn it," He hissed, adjusting his glasses. He whipped towards me, sighing deeply. "Fine. I'll fight for you, y/n. But only because the Boss is." Everyone cheered, jabbing their fists into the air. Zack and Yuugo smiled warmly at me, making my heart skip a beat. Ray patted my head, planting a quick kiss on my forehead. "You're amazing." He whispered, silver eyes gazing at me proudly.

No, Ray. You're amazing. You're my drive. You're my hope. I do this all for you. If it wasn't for your truth, we'd all have been dead by now. If it wasn't for your ready sacrifice, we'd all have been killed. You're constantly protecting me, you're constantly my savior, in more ways than one. "Why are you staring at me like that?" He chuckled, booping my nose. Oh, I was staring? My bad, I meant to do this. I brushed his bangs aside, pulling his face into mine. This might be the last kiss I give you, Ray.

When his lips left mine, I felt a strange sense of fulfillment. I could die. And I wouldn't regret a thing. My only grievance is not being able to spend more time with this emo sleepy idiot. Ray gazed at me warmly, squeezing my hand tightly. And then I knew everything was going to be okay. "The bridge." I said, turning to the others. "I have a plan."