Elijah's Clinging Embrace
Judah woke up, and there was Elijah, asleep in his arms. He barely stifled a scream.
Stay calm….
This moment felt closer to death than ever before. If anyone found out, execution was certain. He had no idea how Elijah had gotten here. He could figure that out later. First, he had to escape this situation.
It’s not too late already, is it…?
Elijah’s arms were wrapped around him too, so he had to move with extreme caution. If she woke up…. He didn’t even want to imagine it.
First, he needed to extract the arm pillowing her head. The moment he tried to slide it out like handling cracked glass, Elijah’s hand gripped his clothes tightly. He froze solid.
Whew…. She’s not awake….
It felt like someone was squeezing his heart. He wriggled subtly, searching for a way to slip free without disturbing her, but it was pointless. Every time he moved, she pulled him back. Reflexive, sure, but if it kept happening, she’d wake up.
Suddenly, Elijah’s lips moved.
“Mama….”
She murmured it like baby talk.
“Don’t go…. You can’t go….”
Hearing that, he couldn’t move another inch. She whimpered, tugging him insistently closer, burying her face against him.
“Mamaaa….”
He swallowed a deep sigh.
Why am I your mom?
He grumbled inwardly and gave up trying to escape. He let her hold him as she wished. Tension slowly drained from his body. Only then did he take a good look at her.
Moonlight filtered dimly through the window. A red blanket draped around her neck like a cloak, oversized enough to cover her upper body. He’d given it to her. The cat doll clutched in one arm too. Her brows furrowed as if in a nightmare. Tears glistened at the corners of her eyes like dew.
This tiny thing, why’s she crying?
There was that superstition: a tear mole meant a life full of tears. Seeing Elijah’s, the thought just came to him.
Kids crying always sours my mood. Gets on my nerves.
He gently wiped away her tears. The thought she might wake didn’t even cross his mind. Pure reflex. Luckily, she didn’t stir.
But something felt off.
…Her cheek’s weird.
As he brushed the tears, his hand unintentionally touched her cheek. It felt firm. Puffy, maybe. He pressed the opposite cheek, squished out by his arm. It sank in with a pop. Soft and squishy. He touched the first one again. Still firm.
…She got hit.
He knew the type well enough to recognize it instantly. Someone had struck her, and it swelled.
For days, Elijah had been wearing heavy cheek makeup. He hadn’t thought much of it. She was young, but nobility obsessed over appearances. That’s what he figured.
Wrong. She was hiding a bruise from a beating.
Who hits a kid this young and small…. Damn it….
He suppressed the rising irritation. Adult Elijah never spoke of it. More precisely, never about herself.
If something happened, she could at least say so.
But he knew it wasn’t that simple. Exposing wounds wasn’t easy. Especially for nobility like her.
Still. Elijah confiding in him like that would look odd anyway.
But why does she keep pulling me?
Even staying still, she kept tugging his collar. Looking down, he saw the cat doll between them blocking full contact. He couldn’t help a wry chuckle.
Silly girl.
No choice. He pulled up the blanket and held her. He’d already been half-holding her with the pillow arm. He’d hugged her unconsciously when he woke midway. Embracing her now wouldn’t change his fate.
Fine. Execution it was. Kill him if they must.
And did I hug you? You clung first. Not my fault.
Once held, she stopped pulling. Her brows relaxed in relief. Her face softened in sleep. Watching her in fluffy pajamas, his tension fully melted. Finally, he could think rationally.
For starters, he wouldn’t die. High probability.
He glanced around with just his eyes. Maybe he was in another room? No, definitely his. So Elijah had invaded his room somehow. Thus, he was the clear victim.
Of course, if nobility said “deal with it, die,” he’d have to. Elijah he knew would.
But if she’s not the Elijah I know….
Last night, she’d protected him. Uncharacteristic.
Had Elijah softened? Maybe her future as a mass murderer and arsonist was fading.
He buried the hopeful thought. No optimism in his life ever. Not just cynicism.
Her fire wasn’t normal. Using it fueled destruction and murderous urges. Hence Mad Fire.
Yet she’d used it to protect him. At least, she wasn’t blindly hostile. Worth hoping for that much.
Tomorrow morning, odds she’d spare him after this weren’t zero.
Man, she really is just a kid.
Kids look angelic asleep. Elijah too. Her usual faces: stiff blankness or chilling smile. Not now. This peaceful, docile sleeping face fit her age perfectly. Like the doll he gave her.
Roly-poly kid sleeps oblivious. But why so skinny? Cheeks puffy, but bones everywhere. Kids should be chubby. This scrawny… damn.
Grumbling inwardly, he closed his eyes. Not sure if he could sleep, but staying awake was pointless.
What about tomorrow morning….
What would happen when she woke? She wouldn’t scream, right? She came here herself.
For now, sleep….
Overthinking hurt his head. No answers anyway.
Luxurious room, lousy heating. Fitting for a suspect not cleared. Late winter dawn was frigid. Half-asleep, he found her warmth in his arms comforting.
A quiet cosmos.
The sun shone alone.
A void where stars held their breath.
The sun’s scorching heat spiked like thorns, rejecting all approach.
As the sun burned itself toward extinction, a small sphere swirled in.
A puny child that couldn’t shine alone. A fearless moon.
The sun’s light touched the drawn moon. The moon didn’t stop.
Plummeting with a comet’s tail.
They collided in a spiral orbit.
United as one, the sun nestled in the far smaller moon.
The fragile embrace was comfortable, cool. The boiling, explosive heat inside subsided.
As violent firelight dimmed, hidden starlight emerged one by one in the void.
The small sun drank in the stars. Slowly closing its eyes, sparkling afterimages lingered beneath lids.
Cool energy from the moon sprinkled like ice dust on the heart.
Cozy, cool. And warm again.
To the sun, sugar-sweet.
Sun and moon’s breaths synchronized.
The small sun, after ages, dreamed no nightmares. So long it felt like life’s first peace.
In vast cosmos, a longed-for lullaby as hallucination—a cradle sleep.
He didn’t greet morning normally.
“Miss—!”
Someone burst in, pounding like to break the door.
“Eek!”
Startled, he forgot he held Elijah and bolted up. They tumbled off the bed; he scrambled to his feet.
Maid Lia glared murderously. Soldiers behind her too.
Eyes wide, he checked Elijah—like seeing her for the first time. Shocked she was here. Fresh genuine surprise meant no acting needed.
Heart pounding.
“What in the world…!”
“Shh….”
Elijah rubbed her eyes, sitting up. Sleepy mumble.
“Too loud….”
“M-Miss….”
“I came here.”
That one line cleared him. Lia and soldiers looked dumbfounded.
“So don’t touch the innocent.”
“When, no, how….”
Lia stammered as commotion stirred outside. Familiar faces appeared.
Valak di Bebel. Elijah’s birth father. And Duchess Narcissus.
Valak’s mustache twitched glaring at him. Fists clenched in restrained fury.
Narcissus didn’t restrain.
“You wretch, finally…!”
Striding toward Elijah, instinct screamed: She’s the one who hit her.
Intimidating gait. Shoulder back, weight forward for striking. Body language screamed sadism.
Elijah stared blankly up, then smiled sweetly.
“Good morning, Duchess.”
Mask-like shift.
“Too bad. Flaw in the merchandise you planned to sell off in marriage.”
Narcissus’s hand twitched. Wanted to hit, but eyes watching—restrained.
“Madam.”
Valak stopped her.
“Enough.”
“But look what this child did!”
“I heard of your own failings too.”
“…What do you mean?”
Chin up, he looked down at her.
“You refused her request to replace tutor Sardis.”
“Th-That was….”
Elijah watched blankly.
“Heard an assassin came from candidates you selected too.”
“…….”
“Why hide it all from me?”
Narcissus’s hands trembled. Face paled.
“I delegated authority, true. But I hoped you’d not handle it without my knowledge.”
“You misunderstand. It’s….”
“Sigh…. Nothing more to hear here.”
Only then did Narcissus glance at him. Odd woman. Even if not her daughter, she should hate him before Elijah.
“From today, do not touch Elijah rashly. Madam.”
Narcissus nodded silently.
Telling. Valak knew some abuse, tolerated it. But now officially revoked.
Reason obvious. Mage. Elijah fully awakened Mad Fire.
Mages were rare worldwide. Hers overwhelmingly talented. Growth unstoppable.
Now, only Valak besides him knew. Powerful mage himself.
Probably stronger than her current level….
Thus declaring no more tolerance.
Disgusting.
Pretended ignorance till useful, now cares.
That’s family….
He couldn’t hide his grimace. Elijah, impassive as ever. Brushed hair like routine.
“More importantly, Elijah. What happened?”
She eyed Valak irritably, sighed faintly.
“Mixed up rooms.”
“You think that excuse flies? Even if, what of the guards outside?”
“Slacking.”
“…….”
Valak’s head turned slowly. Two guards sweated bullets.
…For real?
But still? Even slacking, they wouldn’t leave post. Lives not disposable. Impossible to miss Elijah.
How’d she really get here?
Elijah said flatly.
“Exhausted and distracted from yesterday. Mixed up.”
“…….”
Mentioning it, Valak dropped it. Some conscience left.
“Fine…. Slept well?”
“Yes.”
“Family breakfast after so long….”
“No.”
She cut him off unheard. No more suggestions.
“Eat here.”
Meals delivered to room.
…Here?
“Elijah. Can’t allow.”
Valak got it.
“Dining with that rootless thing….”
“If you don’t permit.”
Elijah stared up, head tilted.
“What will you do? Kill me? Strip rights and assets?”
“…….”
“Too late for that.”
Her eyes slowly shifted hue. Orange. Yellow. Blazing golden pupils met his.
“Should’ve killed me sooner. Taken if taking.”
Before awakening. Position changing fast. Unless killed.
“Maybe not too late. Freshly awakened, can’t beat duke yet. Kill now? Or seize before news spreads?”
“…….”
“Otherwise, leave. Nothing more.”
“…After meal, come with that. Matters from yesterday.”
“Sure.”
Valak left with conflicted look, dragging Narcissus. Glared sharply at him departing.
His mind churned too. Not that, but her casually saying “kill me” or “marriage pawn.” Uncomfortable from brazen child’s lips.
Glimpse of her life.
Room left: him, Lia, Elijah.
“Get Judah’s food too.”
Lia relayed to waiting maid.
“M-Miss.”
He asked Elijah.
“May I ask how you entered?”
Couldn’t contain curiosity. Lia glanced too.
Elijah looked up quietly. Messy bedhead, puffy eyes….
…No. She nodded, ordered Lia.
“Lia. Out a moment.”
“P-Pardon?”
“Just a bit.”
Reluctant, Lia left. Elijah said.
“Watch.”
“What….”
Elijah vanished.
“Huh? M-Miss….”
Before finishing, reappeared.
“…!”
“Teleport.”
“Pardon?”
He blurted blankly. Her reply nonchalant.
“Tried it. Worked.”
“…….”
Street-found level answer. Unreal.
Teleport: only genius few master. Mages die learning in game. Death = delete. Real history too.
She just “tried” at dawn.
“Theory understood ages ago. First success now. Short range but….”
Says short not impressive. Her humility next level.
She smiled up.
“Telling you only. Keep it yours.”
Why me alone….
“Call Lia back.”
Orders naturally. Do it.
Opened door, called. Elijah to entering Lia:
“Lia. Task.”
“Yes, miss.”
“Clean room next to my bedroom.”
“Will do.”
“Judah stays there.”
“Pardon?”
He and Lia echoed.
What?
Met Lia’s blinking eyes. No clue.
“Miss, what do you….”
“Moon deer follows you now. Shouldn’t I go…?”
“Don’t go.”
No explanation. Nobles like her didn’t need to.
That “don’t go”—extension of last night’s scream? Illusion? She startled at “wait.” Just wiping blood.
“Miss. Even so, this way….”
Protesting, door opened. Maids brought meal. Unfolded table, piled food.
Endless feast stole gaze.
Two people, this much?
Worried if his frail body could finish share. Past self, maybe.
Before Elijah sat, Lia said.
“Miss, put down hand-held item for meal.”
Elijah eyed cat doll in arms. Reluctant.
“Holding might splash food, dirty….”
Before Lia finished, Elijah handed doll—and blanket swiftly.
Stunned Lia placed them carefully on bed.
Elijah sat first, to him:
“Eat comfortably.”
He sat opposite. Huge table, she seemed distant. Two at this? Luxury.
Tell her after meal can’t stay….
Then casually:
“Main house same as annex. Rules differ maybe. Meals daily like this.”
“…….”
Scanned table. Half his portion. Annex scraps incomparable.
This volume, composition…. Could follow nutrition coach’s plan…?
…No! Snap out!
Shook head. Don’t tempt.
Nutrition ties deeply to performance. Knew bone-deep. Hated theory, but nutrition basics learned.
Growing kid too. Growth phase needs fuel. Knows. Tempting heart-wrenchingly…!
But living together? No!
Regret diet, but refuse. Pities her dawn visit. Crying. Unerasable fogged eyes.
But…. Can’t take uncommitable on cheap pity. “Protect cuz sad” arrogant mercy.
Past life taught. Powerless justice. Impotent morals. Futile.
Helped Elijah morally only. Not special. Anyone would.
She might change. His influence maybe.
But no staking life on maybe. Reckless.
No need refuse now.
He must obey her anyway. Can’t say no. Fine. Others fight for him.
“…Can’t permit.”
Valak spat, grinding like swallowing rage. Duchess Narcissus beside, face twisted demonically, screeched bird-like.
“Make sense! Absurd!”
Knew it.
“And that thing yesterday to me…!”
Elijah cut in.
“I decided. Permitted.”
Narcissus bit lip, glared. Valak’s eyes sharp too.
Elijah matched. Taut tension wire. No yield, no compromise.
Suddenly cheering villains. Beside Elijah, prayed inwardly.
Valak, Narcissus…. Dislike you, but win this…!
Birth father, stepmother, daughter fiercely debated.