Page 49 of Echoes of Eternity

“The cars are in the way!”

Noboru, seizing the opportunity, unleashed a surge of divine power. His light flared brightly, pushing back against the scattered Yakuza members right before his blade of flames cut through Kaito’s soft flesh on his chest. The sudden surge of energy was a decisive turn in the battle, forcing the Yakuza to retreat.

Kaito’s transformation began to reverse as the dark magic holding it together unraveled when I swung thebar into his father’s head again, spraying blood from his nose.

I didn’t wake up today choosing violence. You made me do it!This was why I left the hood behind. This was why I couldn’t be around this influence!

The monstrous form of the dragon shrank and reformed, the scales fading as the human shape of my ex was restored. The dragon’s roars turned into pained cries as the spell lost its grip.

The Yakuza leader, bleeding and weakened, struggled to maintain control over the remaining magic. His efforts were futile, and his once-mighty power was now a flickering ember. As the area settled, the Yakuza leader finally lost consciousness, his dark magic dissipating into the air.

Maybe I was paranoid as Kaito would say. Because I was tempted to beat his skull in until I was sure he wouldn’t wake back up. But that wasn’t me. I didn’t need that kind of blood on my hands to come back to my family.

21

With the immediate danger subsided,I looked around at the wreckage and the subdued Yakuza members. The battle had taken its toll, but the victory was hard-earned. Noboru approached me, towering like a warrior guardian from days of old, his divine aura flickering back to its full strength, though exhaustion etched lines across his features.

“Mae,” he said, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to resonate through the stillness of the night. “Are you hurt?”

Besides standing here with my tits hanging out, shaking from what is most likely shock? I shook my head, taking a step closer to him, feeling the weight of the moment. “I’m fine. Just… a little shaken up.”

He studied me for a moment, his gaze intense, as if searching for any hidden signs of pain. “You foughtbravely, like a warrior,” he said, a hint of admiration softening his expression. “I’m proud of you.”

I felt a warmth bloom in my chest, despite the havoc that had just unfolded. “You weren’t so bad yourself, considering you’re still recovering from your injured wing.”

Noboru chuckled softly, the sound rumbling like distant thunder. “It seems we both have our battles to face. But I’m here now, and I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”

His words wrapped around me like a protective shroud, and for the first time since the fight began, I felt a flicker of hope. But the reality of what we’d just endured loomed large. “What about Kaito?” I asked, my brow furrowing. “What will happen to him now?”

Noboru’s expression darkened. “He’s no longer my concern. His fate hangs in his hands. The darkness his father sought has now turned against him. I will ensure his father is dealt with appropriately, but it won’t be easy.”

The sound of distant sirens floated through the air.

A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me—relief mingled with concern. “I never wanted it to end like this. Even after everything… he was still a part of my life. He’s not a bad guy, just a guy who grew up in a bad situation he couldn’t get out of. One I wanted no part of.”

“I know,” Noboru said, his voice gentle. “But sometimes, letting go is the only way to protect what truly matters.”

I nodded, grappling with the weight of those words. “And what about us? Where do we go from here?”

He stepped closer, the air around us crackling with energy as his form shrank down to what I had become familiar with. He grabbed a shirt off one of the bodies and slipped it over my head, covering me up. “We will forge our own path, Mae. Together. You are more than just a link to my past; you are my present and my future. But we must be cautious.”

“Yeah,” I sighed, looking at the remnants of the battle, “First we have to get away from here before the cops reach us.”

Noboru reached for my hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “Hold onto me.”

Without question, I got on my tip toes and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, bringing us body to body. “But your wing?—”

“Is fine. Though I do enjoy the way you worry for me, a divine warrior of?—”

I rolled my eyes. “Alright, alright. What is with you males and your cockiness? Nope. Don’t answer that. I know what you’re thinking. Get us out of here, Noboru. Now, please?”

He let out a genuine laugh as he snapped his wings and unfurled them to their full expanse, before shooting us up into the sky.

Our bodies pressed together as if seeking to reconnect after the strain of the battle. The intimacy between us was both comforting and exhilarating, a reminder ofour bond. Our kiss spoke of both passion and relief, a reprieve from the horrors we had faced.

As we held each other in the air, the world around us seemed to fade into the background. The quiet intimacy we shared was a welcome contrast to the violence and turmoil we had endured. It was a moment of solace, a chance to find peace in each other’s arms.

Noboru flew us back to my home where I was able to wash away the remnants of what transpired.

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