Volume 1. Chapter 64

Ken and Lily stood embraced, savoring the moment of relief and joy. The illusion had shattered, leaving behind only a clear sky and the gentle rustling of the forest around them. They could hear each other’s heartbeat — a reminder that they were alive, that it was all over.

— We did it, Lily, — Ken said, his voice filled with warmth.

— Yes, Ken, we made it, — Lily replied, her face glowing with a genuine smile. She was still holding tightly onto his hand, as if afraid he would disappear if she let go.

But Ken’s gaze suddenly shifted. A few meters away, under the soft rays of sunlight, lay the Alarain flower, pulsing with a gentle light, and next to it—a massive crystal, glowing with a deep crimson hue.

— Lily, look, — Ken said, pointing at the discovery.

Lily turned her head and gasped.

— That’s a demon crystal! — she exclaimed, her eyes widening with surprise. — I’ve never seen a crystal this big.

She took a step forward, pulling Ken along with her, since their bracelets were still connected. She paused, glancing back at him.

— You know, — she continued thoughtfully, — this is a huge stroke of luck. A crystal like this could sell for a fortune or be used to craft powerful artifacts. It’s an incredible find!

Filled with enthusiasm, Lily moved toward the crystal, not thinking about the bracelets still linking them. She tugged on Ken’s arm without realizing it and lost her balance.

— Lily, wait! — Ken shouted, but it was too late.

She fell onto her back, and Ken, pulled by her movement, fell right on top of her. Their faces ended up so close that Lily could feel the warmth of his breath.

— Oh… sorry, Lily, — Ken began, quickly checking if she was okay. — Our bracelets didn’t disconnect, and you pulled me by the hand. That’s how this happened. Are you hurt?

Lily blushed, her face turning as red as the nearby crystal.

— It’s nothing... — she whispered, looking away. — It’s my fault... If it’s you, Ken, I don’t mind...

Her words echoed in Ken’s ears. He squinted, trying to grasp their hidden meaning. Lily, noticing his thoughtful expression, only grew more flustered and covered her face with her hands.

— Um... Lily, listen, — he said after a short pause. — We can’t keep lying like this. Maybe you should disconnect the bracelets?

Lily lifted her head and gave him a mischievous smile.

— I can. But on one condition, — she replied.

— What condition? — Ken asked warily, sensing a catch.

Lily pretended to think, then, gathering her courage, said:

— It’s unfair that you were lying on me, but I haven’t gotten to lie on you! Let’s roll to the left so I can be on top of you. Then I’ll take off the bracelets. Promise.

Ken froze, unsure how to react.

— Are you seriously asking for that? — he finally asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lily blushed even deeper but answered firmly:

— Yes, I want to...

Ken sighed, looking at her shy but determined smile.

— Well then, since you insist. Ready? — he asked.

— Yes, — she answered shortly, her voice trembling with excitement. — Thank you.

— Alright. One, two... Let’s roll! — he commanded, and they both rolled to the left together.

Now Ken lay on his back, and Lily, propped up slightly on her elbows, ended up on top. Her golden hair fell onto his chest, and her green eyes sparkled with mischief.

— How did it come to this? — Ken thought, slightly bewildered, looking into her radiant face.

— Hee-hee, — Lily giggled softly, flashing a wide smile. Her laughter was so genuine that Ken couldn’t help but smile back.

— Now it’ll definitely dawn on you... — Lily thought, narrowing her eyes, but kept the rest of her thoughts to herself.

The sunlight gently fell on their faces, surrounding this almost fairytale-like scene with warmth and light. For a moment, the world seemed to stop, allowing them to enjoy this lighthearted, innocent, yet so meaningful moment they shared.