In my head

Nevra informed everybody of his plan, then they went toward the stairway. Darkness settled over them like a cloak and the air was thick with a faint, musty scent. Genevieve wanted to summon her light, but something held her back. It seemed unlikely that it would reveal their location to Tenjin’s people in a locked stairwell — and yet, her instincts told her not to. Maybe it was just because of the Shadow Guard's training. After all, they valued discretion above all else and moved far more easily in the dark. Especially those gifted with excellent night vision. Genevieve squinted in vain, she couldn’t make out Nevra’s silhouette. True to himself, the vampire moved silently, yet Genevieve could feel his presence beside her. Her movements were cautious and fragmented, her grip on the railing tight and convulsive. The cold bit into her palm and her fingers were nearly frozen. She almost missed a step when something brushed against her free hand.

"It's just me" Nevra's voice came from somewhere beside her as he grasped her hand tightly.

"Obviously” Genevieve whispered back. “But next time, warn me before you grope me in the dark. I almost slipped down the stairs from the surprise.”

"Maybe if you roll out as a bowling ball and knock them off their feet." Nevra's cheerful voice made her smile. She felt little relief at the shift in atmosphere. The tension seemed to lift for a moment, though she still feared what awaited them down there. They needed some happiness in these tense times, or they would truly lose their minds.

"How do you know what a bowling ball is?"

"Mathieu told me once.” Nevra squeezed her hand. “Let's focus—We’re almost there." His voice was already serious. The cheerfulness had vanished by the time they reached the lobby door. They paused for a moment, and it seemed Nevra was listening intently. Then he leaned toward her.

"I'd want to take a quick look around the lobby, but we have to be very careful. It's best if they don't notice us."

"Got it. I follow you." Genevieve nodded. Nevra carefully opened the door. They slipped into the lobby unnoticed. She tried to calm her pounding heart and breath as quietly as possible. She  moved on tiptoe, staying close behind Nevra. If she made any noise, it was so faint that only he could hear it. Fortunately, kitsune didn’t have the sharpest hearing. The lobby was huge and mostly open, though several pillars scattered about and the large staircase in the middle wound its way up to the upper floor. They hid beneath it to survey their surroundings. Nevra was right. There were at least a dozen of them. Their fox-like ears and tails left no doubt: they were Tenjin’s men. Swords hung at their sides, their hands resting on the hilts. They likely come for the same reason, but unlike Genevieve and Nevra, these soldiers were prepared to kill anyone they found.

She watched as one of the kitsune warrior crouched by the remnants of a campfire, sifting through the ashes with his fingers.

"It's still warm."

"Then they are still here. This is the only way out—they will have to pass through."

Unfortunately, he was right. Which meant they had no choice but to fight. Genevieve tensed as the kitsune warrior drifted closer to their hiding spot. The shadows beneath the stairs offered concealment, but not complete protection. They moved in silent agreement, but Nevra stopped before they even stepped out of cover. If the guards came any closer, they’d be discovered. But her hearing wasn't as sharp as his—Nevra must have heard something she hadn't. She was ready and when Nevra gave a signal, she moved without hesitation. They darted toward the reception counter and slipped beneath it.

The building's contractor probably never imagined it would one day make an excellent hiding spot. A wall protected them on one side and in the darkness, it was impossible to see that two figures were crouched beneath the counter. As long as no one looked directly under the counter. Genevieve tried to ignore how close Nevra was and focused on listening to Tenjin's men. It seemed they didn't intend to search the upper floors, though it would have been pointless anyway. There weren't enough of them to post a guard on every floor, and that way, they could easily miss someone. Unfortunately, they were smart enough to wait for them here. And the worst part was that Genevieve and Nevra couldn't even move. Two of the warriors remained stationed near the grand staircase, blocking their path. There was no way to sneak back into the stairwell unnoticed. She had no idea how much time had passed, but her legs started to cramp.

She kept glancing at Nevra, but each time, he shook his head. Despite the thick clothing, the cold slowly began to seep into her bones. She pressed her lips and closed her eyes, trying to block out the shivering. She focused on the steady sound of footsteps and the wind howling in from outside. She felt the light breeze on her face, Nevra's confusing closeness. A sudden clatter shattered the fragile calm. Nevra tensed beside her, his hand touching her knee in warning. Genevieve's eyes snapped open, her head turned to the sound. An empty soda bottle had rolled to a stop right next to them. Genevieve’s heart skipped a beat as she stared at the pair of boots that appeared, just beyond the bottle. Calloused fingers reached down to pick it up. A long braid fell over a bare shoulder, scarred with a thousand wounds. Her gaze locked with the kitsune's. First came shock — then anger burned in the ice-blue eyes that met hers. His hands slid to the sword at his belt and he opened his mouth to shout, but Genevieve punched him in the jaw, before a sound could escape his throat. The warrior let out a loud groan and collapsed against the wall. Nevra looked at her — surprise flickered in his eyes, followed by a flash of pride. His  mouth slowly curved into a smile. Voices echoed through the spacious lobby, accompanied by the rhythmic tapping of footsteps. In a split second, the vampire moved, drew his saber and leapt over the counter with barely a touch. She pulled out her sword as well and stepped over the dazed man. She felt Adamant warming up in her grip, the power inside her rising, ready for the fight. The moment she stepped out from behind the reception counter, an enemy was already upon her. Without hesitation, she parried the strike effortlessly. The kitsune’s smirk widened, he was certain of his victory. He would be disappointed. Genevieve used her short stature to her advantage, dancing away from the attacks. She allowed herself a moment to study her opponent's fighting style and identify his weak point. There! She stepped to the side with the next swing of the sword and slashed a light dagger into the man’s face. He instinctively stepped back as she wrenched the sword from his hand and struck him across the face with the hilt. With both swords in hand, she stood ready to face her next opponent. She let Adamant whisper its song into her mind, while keeping in mind what she had learned from Jamon. The kitsune lunged with a vicious strike, their blades clashed. Genevieve parried the blow and immediately retaliated. A second warrior appeared in her line of sight, forcing her to retreat and defend herself. Attack after attack came, pain shot through her left arm. A blow from one of her attackers sent her sword flying from her grasp, leaving only Adamant in her hand. It didn’t matter. She extended her hands in front of her, summoning a sharp light as she moved. Using the opportunity, she disarmed them. The sound of creaking glass behind her made Genevieve spin around, her hair whipping across her face. Her heart pounded as she faced the incoming strike, but just before the blade could reach her, Nevra was there. With a nimble movement, he parried the blow and quickly forced his opponent to his knees. Nevra’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, his eyes searching, before Genevieve gave a small node.

It’s alright. I’m fine.

By the time all the kitsune realized they stood no chance against them, she was already gasping for breath. Her arm ached from the repeated strikes and defenses, her side cramped from the trapped air. Genevieve weary lowered her arm, her gaze lingering on the fading silhouettes until they disappeared into the shadows. Silence fell over them, broken only by the distant howl of the wind. Nevra stared into the darkness for a moment before turning towards her. A sheen of sweat dotted his forehead, but his posture remained effortless, as though the battle had not drained him. He strapped his weapon back onto his back as he walked toward her. His steel-gray eyes still burned with the fire of the struggle.

“Are you okay?” It took a moment before she was able to answer.

🥹🫠

❤️

Aww, so cute!🥹

Note: There is a little change in it. They don't meet at the Central Pavilion, but in the HQ building.

Unusually, the HQ was more bustling that night. He didn’t need to perk up his ears to hear the conversation and the laugh from the Cherry tree. He closed toward the noise with lazy steps and enjoyed the fresh air. He took a deep breath, the scent of cakes and food creeped up in his nose. He could even tell who was there as he slowly separated from each other the smells. However, there was a sweetly intoxicating fragrance which he couldn’t deal with.

Nevra paused, just nearby the Central Pavilion. He watched the crowd silently without moving an inch, his eyes fixed on the statues wrapped in lights. His jaw clenched. It can’t be. He must be imagining from exhaustion. The smell was still there,  preying on his mind, not letting him rest. He slipped away silently, like a shadow. He didn’t want company nor to celebrate now. He walked over the empty market, the pale moon was his only companion and the painfully familiar smell that he obsessively followed all the way to the HQ building. It's madness. Too much sunlight hit his head and now he is out of his mind. Still, he felt the urge to find out the source of fragrance, even if it tears open a thousand painful wounds and memories.

He stepped down on the stairs but stopped in the movement. He watched the graceful figure appear in the dark place. She put on her jacket and freed her waist-length hair. Their gaze met and icy feeling rippled through on him. His heart unintentionally jumped, but he didn’t move. Not even when she desperately moved toward him. Then one more. The girl approached until she was right next to him.

“Hi…”It sounded like a question, not a greeting. Nevra squinted, looking at her from top to bottom and tried to make sure she wasn’t a mirage. That it’s not just a figment of his imagination. He saw her trembling slightly, he heard her heart fast racing. And her expression…The disappointment slowly replaced by despond. She seemed so real. He slowly put the piece together. Probably that’s why the banquet was outside because of her. She was here again. Alive. Nevra licked his dry lips and tried to collect his thoughts and his feelings, which were ready to sweep off his feet.

“Genevieve? Is that you?”

“Yes. I came back from the Crystal. And Leiftan too.”

“That’s good. So that’s why the banquet.” He didn’t say more. He didn’t know what else to say.

“Yes, its because of that” Genevieve replied in a slightly breathless voice. It’s like she might burst into tears at any moment. Still, she pulled herself, like she decided she wasn’t going to cry. “And… How are you?”

“I've been pretty busy recently. They probably said I took Leiftan’s place. And I’m trying to keep my eyes on Chrome. He handles things quite well, but he still needs to learn a lot.” He turned his gaze towards the front door as if anyone came to save him from this situation. “By the way, Have you met him and Karenn?”

“Yes, with everybody. They were very happy to see me.”

He knew his face darkened at the statement. He straightened up and tried to control the bitterness that overwhelmed his heart, driving it away, down to the depths. Where has been forgotten again. However, he couldn’t control his anger that was always there, even if he knew that it wasn't the girl's fault. That she doesn’t deserve this. His voice was sharp in the silent night, the words boiling angrily on his lips.

“Are you implying that I don't show enough emotion?" Genevieve crossed her arms and clamped her lips. 

“Nevra, for me it’s like it was only yesterday that I last saw you, that we were in love. I’m here again, after seven years and I try to keep up the pace. I totally understand that you moved on, but this whole thing hit me hard. Again. I feel the same as when I first landed here and I try to stay afloat, but something seems to be pushing me down. So yeah, forgive me if I get the impression you are coming down on me after all this. They said you came to see me every day when I was in the Crystal. Have you visited me in the last couple of weeks?” Genevieve's outburst stunned him for a moment. He looked away and bit his lip. She looked so defeated, when in fact he was the one being defeated.

“I went to see you everyday for a little over a year. Then…I started going less often. I had to move on. I’m so sorry, Genevieve. I wasn’t prepared for this. I’m really, truly sorry, but believe me, I’m glad you are here.” The words burned his tongue. Not only from the bitter truth but also from the confusion raging in his soul. He felt like he was balancing on the edge of a cliff and Genevieve was unconsciously ready to push him down. 

“I understand. It caught everybody by surprise.”

“Thank you for being so understanding.” Silence descended upon them. He had no idea what to say to her, so after a long pause he said:

[...]The Sersea was suddenly there again and swam around her in the water. The girl was no longer a prisoner, but she didn’t fight anymore. She felt herself heavy, she closed her eyes. She wanted sleep, she wanted it to be over. To stop this pressure, this tension. Genevieve wished she could say goodbye, because she never could. Is that written for her? Nevra…She wished she could see Nevra one last time…

Genevieve couldn’t tell exactly how much time had passed, but  somebody grabbed her arm. Her hair swam behind her as they got higher and higher. The girl wanted to open her eyes to look who is it, but she couldn’t. She was unable to do it. Then the air suddenly burst into her lungs. She swallowed it greedily, it almost made her dizzy. It was like she woke up from some kind of delirium. Genevieve tried to get rid of the gnawing feeling in her throat by coughing. 

"Are you okay?" It took some time for her to answer.

“Y-yes” It was really cold. Her teeth chattered from shivering, only by the hands that held her tightly seeped some warmth into her. The girl looked at her savior. She almost caught a fit of cough when she saw Lance. In his eyes sat real worry and his strong arms held Genevieve confidently. In other circumstances, she would have pushed him away, but now she was incapable of it. She didn’t have enough strength to keep herself above the surface. She let the dragon swim to the ship with her, where he helped her climb on the ladder. Nevra reached down for her and he almost lifted the girl onto the deck. The vampire’s skin had always been colder than hers, but now she found it hot. Genevieve cuddled up to him trembling.

[...] Végigviharzott a folyosón, de a Sokajtós teremben megtorpant Nevra miatt. A lány szíve nagyot dobbant a látványra. A vámpír alig pillantott hátra a válla fölött.

– Szia... – köszönt Genevieve, miközben felzárkózott a fiúhoz. – Már azt hittem megint késni fogok, de ezek szerint időben vagyok.

– Ne aggódj, a trappolásodat odafentről is hallottuk volna.

– Nem is trappoltam! – tiltakozott a lány.

– Dolgoznod kell a lopakodáson. – Kissé leereszkedően jegyezte meg a fiú, amitől Genevieve megint legszívesebben bokán rúgta volna.

– Igenis, köszönöm szépen, hogy tájékoztatsz – válaszolta csipkelődően Genevieve. Túlzás volt azt állítani, hogy ilyen hangosan futott volna. Nem is beszélve arról, hogy anno a fiú Gárdájában volt és megtanította egy-két

dologra. Tudott csendesen lépkedni, ha akart. Ráadásul a vámpíroknak jobb volt a hallása. Még azt is meghallotta volna, ha csak a nagylábujját érinti a földhöz...

– Mit vársz tőlem? Ez most a munkám.

– Mármint mások provokálása?

– A cinikus megjegyzéseid még mindig magával ragadóak.

– Te pedig továbbra is két kézzel szórod az elismeréseket. – Nevra kinyitotta előtte az ajtót, hogy előre engedje. A lány kedélyes megköszönte és próbált határozottan, egyenes derékkal elhaladni mellette, de mikor elkapta a fiú pillantását, megbotlott. A vámpír fürgén elkapta, hogy el ne essen. Genevieve érezte, ahogy egyre forrósodik az arca. Mintha lángolt volna a bőre az érintésétől.

[...]She ran through the corridor, but she stopped in the Hall of Doors because of Nevra. The girl’s heart was beating fast at the sight of him. The vampire barely looked back over his shoulder.

“Hi…” Genevieve greeted, while she catching up with the boy. “I thought I’m going to be late again, but it would seem I’m on time.”

“Don’t worry, we would have heard your tramping from upstairs.”

“I didn’t tramping!” said Genevieve.

“You need to work on your stealth.” The boy's remark was condescending, and Genevieve wanted to kick him on the ankle again for that.

“Yes, thank you very much for letting me know,” Geneiveve replied. It was an exaggeration to say that she ran so loudly. She was in the boy’s Guard a long time ago and he taught her a thing or two. She can step quietly if she wants. Plus, the vampires had better hearing. He would have heard it even if she just touched the ground with her big toe…

“What do you want from me? This is my job now.”

“You mean provoking the others?”

“Your cynical comments are still captivating.”

“And you still deal out the compliments with both hands.” Nevra opened the door in front of her to let her in. The girl thanked him jovially and tried to walk past him firmly and with a straight waist, but she stumbled when she caught the boy’s gaze. The vampire caught her quickly. Genevieve felt that her face flame up. As if her skin was on fire from his touch.