When Riser finally departed, leaving only the faint scent of smoke and the lingering warmth of his embrace, Sona stood alone in her room with the feather charm clutched tightly in her hand.
Her fingers traced the delicate shape, the soft pulse of energy thrumming against her skin. She could still see the moment he nearly collapsed creating it—the pallor of his face, the ragged breath, the stubborn smile.
"Idiot…" she whispered softly, sitting on the edge of her bed. "Why would you go so far…?"
Her mind, normally sharp and precise, was a storm of contradictions. Anger at his recklessness, fear for his safety, warmth from his sincerity, and—most dangerous of all—the quickening beat of her heart when she remembered his words.
I'll always do this. Because it's you, Sona. You're worth it all.
She pressed the charm against her chest, closing her eyes. For the first time in years, her carefully constructed mask felt fragile. Her logical self told her this was dangerous—attachments, emotions, reckless promises. Yet another part of her… the woman beneath the heiress… whispered something different.
Could it be… that I truly…
Before she could finish the thought, the door burst open.
"Sonaaaa~!" Serafall's sing-song voice filled the room. The Maou herself skipped in, dressed in her magical girl outfit despite the late hour, and leaned dramatically against the doorframe. "Don't tell me… my little sister was crying in her man's arms just now?"
Sona's cheeks turned crimson instantly. "Onee-sama!"
Serafall exaggeratedly gasped, pressing her hands to her face. "Oh my Beelzebub, it's true! My little sister, the cool, logical, composed Sona Sitri… crying like a maiden in love? Ufufu~ so cuuute!"
Sona covered her face with her hands. "It's not… it wasn't like that. He was reckless again. He made… this." She extended the feather charm toward Serafall.
Serafall blinked, the playfulness in her eyes dimming as she felt the dense, burning aura pulsing from it. Her expression shifted to rare seriousness. "He made this for you…? Just now?"
"Yes." Sona's voice softened, her fingers tightening around the charm. "He poured everything into it. His flames, his will, his… whatever ridiculous power he's cultivating. He nearly collapsed afterward. And then he—" Her throat caught. "He told me I was worth it all."
Serafall stared at her sister for a long moment, then exhaled slowly. For once, she didn't tease. Instead, she stepped forward, gently patting Sona's head like when they were children.
"I'll admit," Serafall said quietly, "I thought Riser was just a spoiled playboy with too much pride and too little brain. But if he's willing to hurt himself for you… if he can say something like that to you and mean it…" She smiled faintly. "Maybe he really does deserve you, So-tan."
Sona lowered her gaze, her face still burning. "Onee-sama… I don't know what to do with him. He infuriates me, teases me constantly, makes reckless decisions… but when he says things like that, I…"
Her voice trailed off, but Serafall understood. The Maou's grin returned, softer this time.
"You're falling for him, So-tan."
Sona bit her lip, the feather charm glowing faintly in her hand. She didn't deny it.