CHAPTER : 12 Bound by the Unseen

Elizabeth cradled Veronica's face, her fingers trembling but strong, and before Veronica could move back, their lips collided. Veronica went still, her heart racing as she felt the heat of Elizabeth's breath on hers. Elizabeth's eyes closed halfway, enjoying the kiss as if it were the sole reality she ever needed.

Veronica pushed her away, tears scorching her eyes.

"Wh-what are you doing?! Why on earth would you kiss me?" her voice shook, cracked. "Elizabeth… why?"

But Elizabeth only pulled her close again, holding Veronica's hands in hers tightly. Her lips pressed hers again, harder, desperate.

Veronica, shattered, collapsed onto her chest, sobs pouring as Elizabeth held her close. "Shhh… my love, don't cry. I'll keep you safe, always…" Elizabeth murmured into her hair.

But the instant broke. Veronica shoved her away once more, fear in her eyes. Elizabeth's smile broke, her words shaking with pain.

"Darling… why are you fleeing? I only kissed you… my love."

The words echoed down the vacant corridor as Veronica ran, her footsteps a cadence of dismay and terror. Elizabeth stood there, reaching out into space, her whisper wafted down the hall:

"You can't hide from me forever!" Elizabeth's voice called out behind her, taunting and sharp.

But Veronica continued running, pounding the deserted corridor floor with her feet.

"Oh, sweetie. Where are you running off to, my love?" Elizabeth's voice was nearly playful, nearly sinister.

Veronica let out a scream, her voice shattering in terror—just as another figure emerged around the corner. It was Keido. His eyes tracked her like a predator.

Lastly, Veronica burst out of the school gates. "Mamaaaaaa!" she wailed with all her might.

Her mother hurried over, embracing her shivering daughter. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?" she whispered, voice shaking at Veronica's distress.

"Mama… mamaaaa…" Veronica bawled, holding on for dear life.

Her mother took her home, setting her gently on the bed until exhaustion claimed her into sleep.

But when Veronica's eyes flickered open once more, Elizabeth was there—lying next to her.

"How long have you been watching me?" Veronica asked, her voice trembling.

Elizabeth just smiled, reaching out to stroke her cheek with gentle fingers. She leaned in and kissed her again—this time, with a ferocity, as if she was never going to release her.

"Veronica, do you know why I kissed you?" Elizabeth whispered.

"Yes…" Veronica paused. "Tell me."

"To keep you safe," Elizabeth replied, her words weighed with secrets. "From my brother, from his desire for this world… and from the people who would like to steal your power away from me. Keido can ruin everything if he acquires it. That's why I branded you."

"A brand? On my back? How do you know this?" Veronica asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

Rather than reply, Elizabeth kissed her again.

"E-Eliz… stop kissing me!" Veronica wailed, tears quivering in her lashes.

"Okay, okay," Elizabeth giggled softly, her lips grazing her ear. "But you know, I've been with you since childhood. That's how I know."

"Then… why did you kiss me?" Veronica asked again, voice tiny.

"Because when Keido kissed you, he stole some of your power away. Through my kiss… I restored it."

Veronica stiffened, amazed. "Oh…"

Elizabeth leaned in again, but Veronica was quick to turn, tucking her face away under the blanket.

"Aww… now you conceal your adorable face from me?" Elizabeth goaded. "Okay. But I'm sleeping right here, on you." She snuggled along beside her, grinning.

That evening, Veronica's nightmares soured into horror.

"Mama! MAMAAAA!" she shrieked in her sleep, flailing her arms and legs wildly. "She'll kill you! She'll kill Papa too—ahhh!"

Her mother burst into the room, panic etched on her face. She lay beside Veronica, stroking her burning forehead. The girl’s body was shaking with fever.

“Darling, you’re burning up…” her mother whispered, eyes wet with worry. She called for her husband, and within moments, he rushed upstairs.

“She has a high temperature,” her mother said quickly. “Tomorrow we’re taking her to the hospital.”

Her father nodded, concern turning to resolve. "We will."

Veronica clung to both of them, her skin burning hot with fever—but then she sensed it.  The unmistakable pressure of another body on top of her chest.

Someone was with her.

Someone her parents couldn't see.