Reclamation (Part 1)

“I can’t use my powers…” he muttered, sighing defeatedly as he entered the house again.

“What do you mean you can’t use your powers, Luciel?” she asked, sneaking a few glances at Luciel as she prepares something for dinner.

“Well it’s just… My swordsmanship is still fine, But—”

“But what?” she pressed, concern tightening her voice.

“I can’t channel my mana through my sword…” his words hung heavy with frustration, that left the air tasting bitter.

Alice finally turned, leaving the pot to simmer as she approached him. A gentle smile softened her features, though her eyes searched his troubled face. “You’re not the type to give up, Luciel. And besides…” her tone warmed, “you have me by your side. We’ll figure this out—together.”

“Yeah… you’re right. At least I can train my swordsmanship, right?”

Alice chuckled softly, the sound easing the tension between them. “Exactly. You can do just that.”

The aroma of stew filled the small room as they sat down together. Alice ladled soup into Luciel’s bowl with a proud little grin. “Careful, I may have gotten… generous with the seasoning.”

Luciel took a cautious sip, and his face twisted instantly. “Generous? This tastes like you tried to murder me with salt!”

Alice gasped, feigning outrage as she crossed her arms. “Hey, I didn’t add way too much salt…” she pouted, continuing, “You know how much I worked hard on this?”

“I do. That’s what makes it terrifying,” Luciel shot back with a smirk.

Her lips curled into a sly smile. “Alright then, since you’re so ungrateful, you can wash the dishes tonight.”

“That’s—” Luciel paused, then sighed in defeat. “Alright… fair enough.”

Dinner passed like a small banquet, the table cleared with satisfied stomachs. While Luciel stood at the sink, clinking plates under the stream of water, Alice slipped away to take her bath. The rhythmic splash of water against porcelain filled the house until, at last, silence returned.

Luciel dried his hands, sank onto the couch, and picked up a book to pass the time. The quiet almost lulled him—until he heard the faint rustle behind him.

“Hey, wanna sleep next to me?” a soft whisper tickled his left ear.

Startled, he looked behind him, and saw Alice, with her hair still glistening. The steam from the bath accentuated her body, leaving her completely vulnerable.

Luciel’s heart raced. He turned away sharply, cheeks burning. “G-Get dressed first, then maybe I’ll consider it…”

Alice laughed quietly, stepping past him toward the bedroom. “Consider it, huh? Sounds like a yes to me.”

Later, when they finally lay down side by side, the playful mood faded into something gentler. Alice shifted closer, her voice soft against the night’s silence. “Luciel…” she sighed, shifting slowly to face him. “I really thought I lost you in the Soul Translator…”

“But you didn’t…” he replied softly, “And I will never leave you again. That’s a promise.”

She smiled, followed by a soft giggle. “Lilith would be proud of you right now…”

“She’s technically you though…”

“Well even if me and Lilith are the same person—that does not change the fact that we lived different lives.”

“You do have a point.” he smiled gently, before tracing his fingers on her soft cheeks.

For a while, neither spoke. They simply lay there, facing each other, the warmth between them saying more than words could.

Later, as they settled beneath the blankets, the room fell into a hush. Alice turned on her side, her hazel eyes glinting faintly in the moonlight. “Don’t think too much about me while you sleep,” she teased, her voice laced with playful warmth.

Luciel nearly choked on his own breath, his cheeks warming under the weight of her words. “W-What kind of thing is that to say before bed?”

Alice only laughed softly, closing her eyes. “Goodnight, Luciel.”

Sleep didn’t come so easily for him—her teasing echo lingered in his head, leaving him more restless than any training ever could.

***
Sorry for a short chapter this week, I'll post the next part by September 18 (GMT+8) Thursday :))
Chapter 21: Reclamation (Part 2)

Just to tease, the chapter after reclamation will be slightly long
And 2 chapters after that, would be a new arc!

See you again soon my readers :))
Sorry again for a short chapter