The Saintess is the New Villainess

TSNV 38| Her Plan

CLEA

"You're too light. Is that asshole starving you?" Naigulong ko ang mata ko nang marinig ang komento ni Zeev habang buhat-buhat ako habang itinatakbo palayo sa kumosyon na nagaganap sa gitla ng plaza ng capital.

"Will you prefer if I was heavy?" I clung my arms around him, and he tightened his grip under my knees before turning to the left.

Napatitig ako sa kanya habang siya ay naka-focus sa pagtakbo. How daring of him to kidnap the emperor's bride using his bare face with only a cloak to hide his identity.

"Hold tight." With a mighty leap, I look back—only to see myself fleeing through mid-air with him carrying me like I was his bride.

Sa muling paglapag niya sa lupa mula sa matayog na talon niya ay nasa ibang lugar na kami. Kumunot ang noo ko. "Where are we?" Takang tanong ko.

"This is our Safe Zone." Lalo nagkasalubong ang kilay ko. We found ourselves in a majestic building that resembled a church.

The interior featured a small, ornate altar adorned with intricate carvings and flickering candles. Surrounding the altar were numerous statues, each meticulously crafted. An abundance of pure white flowers further enhanced the space, their delicate petals adding a touch of elegance to the solemn atmosphere.

What is this place? This doesn't look like the temple. Akmang magtatanong pa ako nang makaramdam ng matalim na titig sa harapan.

"Will you lay your hands off her, or I will send you on vacation to hell for laying a hand on a holy servant of God?" Narinig ko ang paghalakhak ni Zeev nang marinig ang pambabanta ni Dominique.

"I'm surprised you could still see us despite the blindfold in your eyes. How did you do that, practice seeing with your ears?" Zeev fired back before carefully placing me down.

Pagbaba ko sa bisig niya ay nakita ko nakatayo sa aming harapan si Dominique kasama si Caelus, Levine, at Carnel. Lahat sila ay nakatingin ng masama kay Zeev na para bang may ginawa itong karumaldumal na krimen. I'm sure they are thinking of the different ways to kill him.

"What?" Patay malisya niyang tanong nang mapansin ang titig ng mga ito sa kanya. Napailing na lang ako. I cleared my throat to gain their attention.

"So. . ." I trailed. "What's the—" Napaatras ako nang sabay lumapit ang mga ito sa akin.

"How are you?" They chorused. Isa-isa ko silang tiningnan. Concern was evident in their eyes. Sinusuri ng mga ito ang buong hitsura ko na para bang tinitignan kung may sugat ba ako o ano. There was also a glint of longing. Do they miss me that much?

"I am fine. How about you guys?" Napahinga naman nang maluwag ang mga ito.

"How about we take a seat before catching up?" Paanyaya ni Zeev na nakaupo sa upuan kung saan may pabilog na mesa. Mabilis namang naglakad ang mga ito papalapit sa gawi ni Zeev at sabay na pinaghila ako ng upuan.

I bit my lower lip. Tinitigan ko lang sila na naghihintay kung kaninong pinaghilang upuan ako uupo. What kind of situation is this? Parang nakikipagpaligsahan sila para sa atensyon ko.

May nakita akong bakanteng upuan sa tabi ni Zeev kaya naglakad na lang ako papalapit doon at pinaghila ng upuan ang sarili ko upang umupo. Wala silang nagawa kun'di umupo na lang din dahil sa inakto ko. A few seconds of silence covered us after that.

"How's your investigation going, Your Honor?" Magkakrus brasong tanong ni Dominique sa kanya.

"Can you drop the formalities, Your Excellency?" He grunted, emphasizing their titles as if it were their way to be sarcastic with one another. I raised an eyebrow. What's the beef between them?