Smoke rose from the scorched battlefield, the air still buzzing with the aftermath of Kaela's brutal onslaught. Bits of Vile husks littered the ground, dissolving into shimmering red dust that floated like embers in the twilight.
Kaela stood at the center of it all—back straight, chest heaving, her weapon glistening crimson in her hand. No, not a weapon.
Ren.
He was panting, still catching his breath in her grasp. Having returned to human form only moments ago, he knelt before her, body sore but heart burning. Kaela's uniform had taken damage again—her thigh exposed through a jagged tear, her jacket hanging off one shoulder, and her long pale hair fluttering in the wind.
"Are you injured?" Ren asked, voice hoarse.
Kaela raised a brow, mildly amused. "You're the one who took a hit for me."
Ren rubbed the back of his neck. "Didn't want to see you bleed again."
She stepped closer. "Reckless. But... loyal. I like that."
He looked up at her, face flushed. "That was… intense. You really are strong."
Kaela crossed her arms under her chest. "Because you let me be. You held back nothing."
Their eyes locked. Something unspoken passed between them—a shared heat born not just from battle, but connection. Crimson energy still swirled faintly around them, responding to the bond.
Kaela smiled, a rare thing, predatory and amused. "You've earned a reward."
Ren blinked. "R-Really? Uh... what kind?"
Kaela extended her booted foot, one leg lifted slightly at the knee. "Take it off."
"Huh?"
"I said… take it off. Slowly."
Ren's heart pounded in his chest. His fingers moved as if on instinct, unbuckling the laced leather of her thigh-high boot. The moment he slid it off, the scent of battle mixed with her scent hit him—earthy, intoxicating. She wriggled her toes in the sheer black stocking, a mischievous glint in her crimson eyes.
Kaela leaned back against a broken pillar and wiggled her foot in front of his face.
"You've been a good blade. Show your devotion."
Ren's face turned bright red. "W-We're really doing this…?"
She said nothing. Just raised an eyebrow.
Gulping, Ren gently took her stocking-clad foot in both hands. He pressed his lips to the top of her foot—soft, damp with sweat. He kissed again, this time near her toes. Kaela sighed softly, almost teasingly.
"Mmm. Not bad."
He looked up, flustered. "W-Was that okay?"
Kaela tilted her head. "A little desperate. But sincere."
Ren chuckled nervously, lips still tingling. "I'll take that as a win."
The moment lingered—intimate, strangely sweet. Kaela reached down, cupping his chin with surprising tenderness.
"You're adapting faster than I thought. Good."
"Only because I trust you," Ren said softly. "Even when you're scary."
She snorted. "Scary? You've seen nothing yet."
Then she pulled him to his feet with one hand. Her other hand summoned a fresh surge of crimson energy, forming a runic portal.
"Come. The other commanders will want to meet you now."
Ren stiffened. "More Crimson Warriors? Will they be like you?"
Kaela gave him a look. "Some are worse."