Allure Of The Witch

Will Rayan Leave?

"Kewe..." (What...)

Aria's eyes widened in shock and confusion as she attempted to ask her question. But before she could finish her thought, Rayan pressed his hand gently against her lips, silencing her.

"Sshhh..."

The unexpected gesture pulled them closer together, his arm instinctively wrapping around her waist as he brought his other hand to her mouth. His warmth enveloped her, and she could sense him in every way.

Aria's heart began to race, an unfamiliar heat flooding her cheeks as she stared up at him. She was bewildered, trying to comprehend whether she was getting sick or something.

"Don't..."

Rayan whispered firmly, glancing at her as he sensed her instinct to pull away. Immediately, Aria froze, her body responding to his unspoken command. She didn't fully understand his words, but the authority in his voice made her still.

Slowly, she lowered her gaze, feeling a mixture of confusion and embarrassment. Her heart pounded fiercely in her chest every time he looked at her with those intense eyes.

Aria felt flustered by the changes occurring within her. This kind of feeling—this fluttering warmth—had never happened when her grandmother used to hold her. She had shared countless hugs with her grandmother, even sleeping in her embrace on some nights, but none of those moments had sparked this strange reaction.

She instinctively placed a hand on her chest, patting it gently as if trying to calm the chaotic emotions swirling inside her.

Was she ill?

Did something happen to her?

Meanwhile, Rayan remained oblivious to the inner turmoil of the woman in his arms. His focus was sharpened, directed towards the open space around them. He was trained as a martial artist, and the slightest sound could be easily detected by his keen senses.

He had felt a shift, a movement that didn't belong to the wind or any woodland creature. His gaze narrowed as he directed his attention toward the thick bushes nearby, the coldness in his expression sharpening as his instincts kicked in.

"Stay here..." he whispered, his tone strict and serious.

Unsure if she understood him, he gestured firmly, pointing to the ground. "Here... stand here only!"

Aria blinked, the urgency in his voice cutting through her confusion. She nodded, understanding that she needed to remain in place. Rayan stepped back slightly, carefully emerging from their hiding spot. He took a few steps forward but frequently glanced back at her to ensure she remained where he had instructed.

Seeing her standing still, a wave of relief washed over him. He turned his attention back to the bushes, the atmosphere around him shifting as he steeled himself for whatever might emerge.

Rayan's demeanor transformed; his eyes became sharp and cold, and he retrieved a dagger hidden in his sleeve. He moved swiftly toward the underbrush, ready to confront the potential threat.

As expected, a figure lunged from the bushes, sensing Rayan's approach.

Aria gasped, her heart leaping into her throat as she watched the scene unfold.

Panic gripped her; she was worried about Rayan's safety, but her fears were quickly alleviated. With a swift and powerful motion, Rayan had the man pinned to the ground, his dagger pressed against the intruder's throat, ensuring he couldn't move.

"Oomph..." The man struggled beneath Rayan's grip, his face obscured by a mask. But when his eyes met Rayan's, he ceased all movement.

"My Lord!" the masked man exclaimed, a mix of surprise and relief in his voice.

Rayan's frown deepened at the familiarity of the voice. "Tristan?"

"My Lord!" Tristan cried out again, his voice now brimming with joy.

Rayan relaxed slowly, the tension in his body dissipating. He released Tristan, stepping back and sliding his dagger back into its hidden place within his sleeve. As Tristan rose, he pulled down the cloth covering his face, revealing a broad smile that seemed to light up his features.

"My Lord! I have finally found you!" Tristan exclaimed, his enthusiasm palpable.

Rayan merely nodded in response and asked calmly

"Are you alright? What about the others?"

"Everyone is fine," Tristan replied quickly, his expression turning serious.

"Linus got slightly wounded when the enemies were chasing us. My Lord... you shouldn't have taken such risks. Drawing the enemies' attention to yourself like that—"

Tristan continued to express his worries, his voice a steady stream of anxious words. Rayan listened patiently, knowing this was typical for Tristan whenever he was anxious. However, the mention of Linus being hurt caused a frown to deepen on his brow.

Just then, Rayan felt a gentle tug on his sleeve. He turned to see Aria standing there, her hand on his arm, her eyes filled with uncertainty as she looked at Tristan. Instantly, the coldness vanished from Rayan's gaze.

Was she scared? There was no need for her to be afraid. As long as he was there, she would be safe.

Rayan longed to reassure her, but before he could voice his thoughts, Tristan stepped closer, curiosity etched on his face.

"My Lord! Who is this lady?"

Tristan's gaze fixed on Aria, a deep frown forming as he scrutinized her. Given the current circumstances, anyone from Ulrik was considered an enemy.

Aria felt a rush of fear as Tristan stepped closer, the sword still in his hand, and she instinctively stepped back, releasing Rayan's sleeve.

"Tristan! Step away from her!" Rayan commanded sharply, his voice firm and filled with warning.

The urgency in his tone made Tristan halt immediately, though he remained wary, still scrutinizing Aria with suspicion.

But seeing that Tristan was still regarding her with that intense stare, Rayan took another step forward, placing himself firmly in front of Aria as a shield.

"She saved my life. You're scaring her."

At Rayan's words, Tristan blinked, his expression shifting as he absorbed the weight of Rayan's statement. Someone who had saved his master's life was a benefactor, not an enemy.

"I apologize to the lady," Tristan said, his voice now serious and respectful.

Rayan nodded, though his gaze remained steady. "She doesn't understand our language."

Tristan frowned at Rayan, disappointment evident. "Yes, My Lord! I should have spoken in the language of Ulrik's people."

But then Rayan surprised him again. "She doesn't speak that language either."

"Then what does she speak?" Tristan asked in confusion, his brows knitting together as he tried to comprehend the situation.

Rayan didn't have an answer. After all, he knew very little about her language or where she came from.

As the two men conversed in a language Aria couldn't understand, she stood quietly behind Rayan, her heart heavy with emotion. Tears filled her eyes as she felt the weight of uncertainty press down on her. She had witnessed the bond between these two men, the familiarity they shared, and the thought that she might be left alone again sent a pang of despair through her.

Would this person leave her too?