A fairytale of a beautiful maiden, the beloved Frost Flower Princess was supposed to be staying in the comfort of her castle masquerading as a cage to protect her from the dangers outside, imprisoned by her own brothers.
That is, until a mysterious...
* "Don't let this siren cast her spell. Don't let her fire sear my flesh and bone."
** Noble Bell College - Bell Tower Interior
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"OH COME ON!" Idia burst out, voice cracking with frustration. "We're blowing 'em away, but they just keep multiplying. This is seriously starting to get on my nerves!"
The flowers weren't just multiplying—they were closing in, their sickly-sweet fumes curling through the air, clinging to lungs and skin. Y/n's breath hitched as she tried to control her intake, tilting her head away from the blossoms. Her fingers trembled slightly.
Vanitas' sharp sapphire gaze flicked to her instantly. "Tch. These damn flowers..." His tone dripped with irritation that had nothing to do with the plants themselves. In one swift motion, he pulled her against him, sweeping his coat around her like a barrier. "Stay close. And don't you dare pass out on me," he murmured low, voice darkly protective, backing up with her shielded under the leather folds.
Malleus' eyes narrowed as the air grew heavier. "Rgh... The sheer concentration of them is making it hard to even breathe." he admitted, his magic brimming at his fingertips. "Very well, I'll get rid of them. I'll unleash my magic as I did in the waterway and obliterate them en masse,"
Before the spell could form, Azul stepped forward sharply. "Don't. If you unleash a magical burst that powerful, the whole tower will collapse!" His gaze slid to Y/n for a fraction of a second, calculating yet quietly concerned. "And then our whole plan would go up in smoke. Not to mention, the last thing I need is to be forced to pay reparations for damaging a historic building. Allow me to handle this."
Malleus' brow furrowed. "You?"
"All we have to do is make it up the stairs, right?" Azul replied evenly. "All three of you, get behind me."
"Dude, this is NOT the time to show off." Idia blurted, hair sparking. "We can't have you screwing this up. Just let Malleus do his thing!"
"SHUSH. I'm trying to concentrate!" Azul snapped, his tone fraying just enough to betray his urgency. Closing his eyes, he drew in a slow breath. Magical energy coiled around him, rippling the air.
Vanitas' lips curled in a faint smirk. "Fine. But if you let so much as one petal touch her, I'll cut you down myself."
"*inhale*" Azul ignored the jab, inhaled deeply... and then with a sharp exhale. "...Now! HRAH!" he released his magic. A rush of power swept the hall, and the flowers shriveled instantly, their scent vanishing from the air like smoke in a gale.
