CHAPTER 21
Lucian's POV
I thought everything was finally over.
The kidnappers were defeated, the children were safe, and Noelle seemed perfectly fine.
Until she suddenly stopped walking.
I turned around.
"Noelle?"
She slowly lifted her head.
But something was different.
Her serious expression was gone.
Her eyes became wide and innocent, filled with curiosity like a child seeing something new for the first time.
Then she looked directly at me.
"Lucian..."
I frowned.
The way she said my name was strange.
"What happened?"
She tilted her head.
"You're a teddy bear."
Silence.
Julian, who was standing nearby, immediately looked away to hide his laughter.
I stared at Noelle.
"What?"
She stepped closer and pointed at me.
"A very big, scary teddy bear."
I looked at Julian.
"What is happening?"
He cleared his throat.
"The pills must have finally taken effect."
I narrowed my eyes.
"The effect was delayed?"
"Apparently."
Noelle ignored our conversation and continued staring at me.
"Carry me."
I blinked.
"Excuse me?"
She stretched her arms out.
"Carry me, teddy."
I had faced armies.
I had defeated powerful enemies.
I had ruled the demon realm.
But somehow, this was the most confusing situation I had ever experienced.
"No."
She looked at me with a disappointed expression.
"Why?"
I remained silent.
Because I didn't have an answer.
Julian covered his mouth, clearly enjoying my struggle.
"Sire, I believe Lady Noelle has decided you are her favorite teddy bear."
"Julian."
"Yes, Sire?"
"Stop talking."
Noelle continued waiting.
Eventually, with a sigh, I picked her up.
The moment I did, she looked satisfied.
"Good teddy."
I froze.
Julian turned away completely.
I could hear him laughing.
"Say one word about this and you will regret it."
"Of course, Sire."
Noelle rested comfortably, still seeing the world differently because of the drug.
She pointed at Julian.
"That one is a small teddy."
Julian immediately stopped laughing.
"Wait... me?"
"Yes."
For once, Julian had no response.
I almost smiled.
Almost.
Noelle suddenly looked at me again.
"You know..."
"What?"
"You're not as scary as everyone says."
I looked at her.
Most people feared me.
They trembled when they heard my name.
But this girl, even under the influence of a strange drug, spoke to me without fear.
"You should sleep," I said.
"No."
"Why?"
"Because teddy is carrying me."
I sighed.
This was going to be a long journey back.
But as I walked, one thought remained in my mind.
The spirit's warning.
Noelle was not ordinary.
Not even close.
And the more I learned about her...
The more I realized that her existence was connected to something far greater than either of us understood.