Page 195 of I Ran Away to Evil
My hands burned, and I struggled to keep them steady against the swirling tide. It took everything I had to keep Jacqueline pressed against the sphere. With my Bond Breaker title, Strength ten just wasn’t going to cut it. Or pierce it.
I wasn’t going to make it.
I gritted my teeth.NO!My grip tightened, and I pushed forward, my scream rising to meet Jacqueline’s. I wasn’t anywhere near as strong as before, but I didn’t need to bestrong. I just needed to be strongenough.
I’m so proud of you, sweet.Jacqueline Tiamat la Fleur let out a final burst of [Void Intent], helping break through the pink dome.
The entire thing shattered.
CHAPTER 118
His Greed for Cuddles
Keith
Keith watched as thousands of tiny pink mana particles rained [Void Damage] down on his defense. His high-tier [Dragon Shield] was eaten away by the shattered bits of Void, with only a few shards passing through to land on him.
[You have taken 18 Void-based Damage. HP 382/400]
Keith didn’t wait; he rushed forward and caught Henrietta in an embrace.
And then they were kissing.
She felt amazing in his arms. He eventually broke the kiss and buried his face in his princess’s fluffy brown hair, breathing in her cinnamon spice and sugary scent. There was still so much to do before the night was over, but it could all wait until they were done.
So what if Gerda was there to watch them hug it out. Let her.
When they broke apart, they found half a dozen royal guards standing around them. Gerda lay sprawled out on the floor, exhausted from the major magical working.
“I brought them as requesssted.” Lieutenant Franni stood to attention.
“Alright, everyone,” Keith started, then glanced at the hole in the wall. “Thisiseveryone?”
“Yesss, Your Viciousnesss,” Franni stated. “With about twenty of Grand Duchesss Calisto’s best adventurersss.”
“Then they can help us cart everyone back to the palace. I’m sure the council will be very interested to know about an interkingdom ring of slave traders.” Keith squeezed Ria’s hand in support, knowing that her parent’s would be punished with the group.
“That everyonealready knew about,” Gerda snapped. “Madame Potts cast about them months ago!”
“Then I think it’s about time we head back.”
After rounding up everyone, it was well past midnight.
It was dark outside, but a full moon illuminated the overgrown and poorly managed estate. The entire place was in need of repair, and probably purchased recently for nefarious intents.
The only one worse for wear on their side was Gerda, who simply needed time and a mana potion.
He owed the bridge troll, and would reward her handsomely for her assistance. And after that? He needed her magically auditedyesterday. He neededallhis kingdom’s trolls audited yesterday! How had he never been warned about them in his lessons?!
Keith wanted a nap. Badly. Right now. But it would have to wait. They had a three-hour ride ahead of them.
And another problem to solve. Henrietta would never last riding a horse the whole way back.
“I guess there is nothing for it.” Keith smiled. “I’ll just have to carry you.”
“Do you have enough mana left?” Her concern didn’t stop her from reaching her arms around him and letting him pick her up in a princess hold.
“I’ll summon Fifi to meet us halfway.” He reached out to the construct then and there, pleased to note the willingness he felt from his dark mare. He wasn’t surprised—Henrietta had a way of befriending all of the beasts of the Dark Enchanted Forest. He hugged the princess closer, until her head rested comfortably on his shoulder.
