Asmodeus's breathing had steadied, but the ache clung to his bones. His body felt like ash barely held together.
The warmth at his side anchored him—Yuina's golden eyes watching him closely, her soft blonde hair brushing against his shoulder. Yumiko's red eyes shone with quiet relief, her tails curling behind her like protective ribbons.
Then came the footsteps.
Velvet was first, violet hair falling loose, her hips swaying as she entered like nothing had changed. The glow of her horn pulsed faintly. She folded her arms under her heavy chest and tilted her head.
"You just had to nearly die. Drama king."
Vinea followed—tanned skin scraped and smeared, one eye silver, the other gold. She didn't say a word. She dropped to one knee, pressed her forehead to his, and lingered there.
Velvet smirked. "She cried."
Vinea muttered, "Shut up."
"Admit it."
"…Fine. I cried."
Asmodeus rasped a breath. "I'm still here."
