The Lost Element

"She's MINE."

As they walked through the forest, Liam's eyes scanned their surroundings, his training as Emilia's bodyguard kicking in. But his gaze kept drifting back to Emilia, her smile, her laughter, her sparkling eyes. He couldn't believe how his feelings had shifted.

When he was first assigned to protect her, he had thought of her as just a job, a responsibility. But over time, he had grown to admire her strength, her kindness, and her beauty. He had tried to brush off his feelings, thinking it was unprofessional, but he couldn't deny them anymore.

As they walked, Liam made a decision. He wasn't going to hide his feelings for Emilia anymore. He would continue to protect her with his life, but he would also be honest with himself and her about his emotions.

He took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He didn't know how she would react, but he was willing to take the risk. He would find a way to tell her, to show her how he felt.

For now, he kept his watchful eye on her, making sure she was safe, but also savoring every moment he spent by her side. He knew that their journey was far from over, but he was ready for whatever came next, as long as Emilia was by his side.

***

As they entered Marcus's old town, they were greeted by a bustling market filled with people of middle-class elemental backgrounds. The air was alive with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares and the smell of fresh bread wafting from the nearby bakery.

Liam's eyes scanned the crowd, his instincts on high alert as Emilia's bodyguard. But his gaze kept drifting back to Emilia, who was wearing his shirt like a dress. He couldn't blame the men who couldn't help but stare at her - she looked stunning, her hair tied up in a ponytail, her legs bare and toned.

But as he watched the men's admiring glances, Liam felt a pang of jealousy. He had never felt this way before, and it caught him off guard. He tried to shake it off, telling himself he was just being protective, but deep down, he knew it was more than that.

Emilia, oblivious to the attention, smiled and waved at the people they passed, her eyes shining with excitement. Marcus ran ahead, eager to show them his old home.

Ava and Elijah walked beside them, taking in the sights and sounds of the market. Ava nudged Liam, whispering, "You might want to work on that whole 'not looking possessive' thing."

Liam shot her a look, but couldn't help the feeling of possessiveness that had settled in his chest. He knew he had to get a grip - Emilia wasn't his to claim. But as he looked at her, laughing and carefree, he couldn't help but feel like he wanted her to be.

Liam's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched as he muttered under his breath, "She's mine." The words slipped out before he could catch them, and Ava and Elijah's giggles made him realize his mistake.

His face flushed with embarrassment, Liam tried to cover up his slip-up. "I mean, she's under my protection," he stammered, but Ava and Elijah just laughed harder.

Emilia, oblivious to the exchange, walked ahead, hand in hand with Marcus, who was excitedly showing her around his old town. She smiled and chatted with him, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Liam's gaze followed her, his heart racing with a mix of emotions. He knew he had to get his feelings under control, but it was hard when she looked so carefree and beautiful.

Ava nudged him playfully. "Dude, you're so busted," she whispered, her eyes teasing.

Elijah chuckled. "Yeah, Liam, you might as well put a sign on her that says 'property of Liam'."

Liam's face grew even hotter, but he couldn't help the way he felt. He just hoped Emilia didn't find out about his slip-up anytime soon.

***

Emilia walked hand in hand with Marcus, enjoying the sights and sounds of the market. But she couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. She glanced back, and her eyes met Liam's intense stare. He was standing a short distance behind her, his eyes fixed on her with an unnerving intensity.

Emilia felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes locked. She quickly looked away, trying to brush off the sensation. But she couldn't help sneaking glances back at Liam, who continued to watch her with an unwavering gaze.

She felt exposed, yet safe, under his watchful eyes. It was as if he was shielding her from the world, and she couldn't help but find it incredibly attractive. The way he protected her, the way he looked at her, made her heart race.

Marcus chattered excitedly beside her, but Emilia's mind wandered back to Liam. She thought about how he had always been there for her, how he had saved her from harm time and time again. And now, as she felt his eyes on her, she couldn't help but think about how hot it was that he kept her safe all the time.

Emilia's cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away, trying to compose herself. But she knew she couldn't deny the spark that had ignited between them.