“If there’s danger, then we face it together. Even if we die, at least we’ll have each other for company on the way to the afterlife,” Jemima said softly, smiling just a little.
Jared chuckled. “With me around, you’re not dying.”
He wasn’t worried. Deep down, Jared was calm. He knew full well wouldn’t die here. After all, if died, the story would end.
“You don’t like that pretty boy, huh?” Jared asked.
“Do I even need to say it?” Jemima rolled eyes. “Just looking at makes my stomach turn.”
She sighed and looked away. “But the Heavenfall Pavilion is powerful. If my family wants to form an alliance with them, I have no choice. Marriage is the only option.”
“You ever think about pushing back against that?” Jared asked.
“I don’t have that kind of strength,” said, shaking head.
“When the time’s right, I’ll take care of that dainty clown. Then you’ll be free,” Jared told her, walking beside her.
“You’re no match for him,” Jemima replied.
“Maybe not right now. But I’ve got allies. Taking out would be easy,” Jared said with a faint grin.
He then turned slightly and asked the Vermilion Demon Lord, “Mr. Vermilion, are you confident you can take down that soft-faced brat?”
“Your body can handle it. Forget just him, I could wipe out everyone here if I felt like it,” the Vermilion Demon Lord replied flatly.
“Good to hear!” Jared laughed.
“Who are you talking to?” Jemima asked, puzzled.
“An old friend,” Jared said with a chuckle.
They kept talking as they made their way toward the ruined stone platform. Jared gripped his Dragonslayer Sword tightly, keeping his eyes on the two warrior statues flanking the platform. He had a nagging sense that they might spring to life any second.
The Dragonslayer Sword trembled lightly in his hand, likely picking up on the threat ahead.
From a distance, Aziel was watching them closely, eyes locked on Jared and Jemima.
Seeing them walk and laugh together ignited a fire in his chest. At that moment, all wanted was to kill Jared. But even burning with rage, Aziel stayed alert. If anything strange happened, was ready to run.
Everyone knew ancient ruins like this hid powerful magical items and just as many lethal traps.
Plenty had heard of ancient ruins like this, but very few dared to explore them. One wrong move and they’d be dead.
Dead men don’t get to enjoy the magical items…
This place in particular gave off an eerie vibe, making everyone tense. They were on edge, ready to bolt at the slightest sign of danger
Jared and Jemima stood before the stone platform, directly facing the two warrior statues. Their gaze alone made a chill crawl up Jared’s spine. His heart skipped a beat from the creeping fear.
“Let’s go,” Jemima said quietly, taking Jared’s hand.
Together, they walked slowly up to the platform.
As they got closer to the coffins, Jared noticed something strange. The eyes on the two warrior statues seemed to follow them. Their gaze didn’t shift, they stayed locked on Jared and Jemima.
He blinked and shook his head, thinking had imagined it. But when looked again, the statues’ eyes had definitely moved.
A shiver ran down his back. His grip tightened on the Dragonslayer Sword, now trembling more visibly.
“Ms. Murray, do those warrior statues look weird to you?” Jared asked.
“No, not at all,” Jemima replied, shaking head. Her focus was fixed entirely on the three coffins. She hadn’t even glanced at the statues.
Seeing that, Jared kept quiet. No point in scaring more than necessary.
He steadied himself, took a long breath, and then turned his full attention to the three coffins. Each one was deep crimson, and on closer look, the surfaces seemed to ripple, like blood was flowing across them.
