CHAPTER 81: CH 81: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN - PART 5

Irielle kept her arm firmly around Kana as she guided her toward the sofa, moving with surprising gentleness for someone who had just been dragging an unconscious man across the floor.

Kana’s legs still refused to cooperate, each step feeling as though it might fold beneath her again.

By the time she sank into the cushions, she let herself melt into them, feeling the plush fabric cradle her tired body.

Without missing a beat, Irielle knelt beside their unwanted guest, deftly looping a coil of enchanted rope around his wrists and ankles.

The bindings shimmered faintly, the faint hum of magic filling the quiet room. Irielle tugged once, testing the tension, before dusting off her hands with a satisfied smirk.

"Are you... okay?"

Kana asked quietly, her voice still carrying a note of lingering shock.

Irielle chuckled—low and amused, as if the question itself was the funniest thing she’d heard all week.

"A loser like this? He couldn’t hurt me if he tried. Honestly, it was good stress relief. I’ve been meaning to let off some steam after that... meeting."

Kana blinked, remembering that Irielle had left earlier for something important. She didn’t need the details to know that whatever it was, it hadn’t gone pleasantly.

A pang of sympathy for the kidnapper—however undeserved—flitted through her chest. Poor man had clearly picked the worst possible target.

Still... she was very glad Irielle was on her side.

Irielle dusted her hands again and straightened.

"So? What do you want to do with him?"

Kana hesitated, glancing at the unconscious man before answering.

"We should wait for Lysera. She’s in the police—she’ll know what to do right away."

A pout instantly formed on Irielle’s lips.

"You can rely on me too, you know."

Kana smiled sweetly, her words honeyed.

"Of course I can. But you’ve already done enough. I’d feel bad giving you more work."

What she didn’t say—though it sat heavily in her mind—was that if she left things entirely to Irielle, the man might not survive the evening.

Not long after, the front door creaked open and Lysera stepped in, her eyes immediately falling on Kana and Irielle seated together in the living room.

"What are you two doing here?"

Before Kana could answer, Irielle stood and gestured for her to follow.

"This way."

Lysera’s gaze sharpened the moment she saw the man sprawled on the floor. The church robes were unmistakable, and the small insignia at his collar confirmed his affiliation.

Her jaw tightened, an almost imperceptible pinch in her expression.

"Come with me. Keep an eye on him."

Lysera said to Irielle, her voice quiet but firm. She glanced at Kana.

Kana opened her mouth to insist on coming along, but a faint warning from her gut made her pause.

Whatever they were about to discuss, she didn’t want the details—not now. It was better for her peace of mind to remain ignorant.

"Fine."

Kana said, leaning back slightly.

Once the two had stepped out, she crouched beside the unconscious man, curiosity prickling.

Tentatively, she reached toward him.

The moment her fingers brushed the edge of his sleeve, a sharp jolt of magic stung her skin.

The man’s eyes snapped open, and he twisted violently, breaking the stillness with a sudden surge of movement. He lunged toward her with surprising speed despite the binds.

Kana’s instincts flared—there was no time to think.

She swung the side table she’d left nearby, the solid edge connecting with a dull thud.

The man crumpled instantly, the room falling silent once more.

The loud impact must have carried down the hall, because within seconds, Irielle and Lysera burst back into the room.

Irielle’s eyes darted to Kana first, checking her over, while Lysera’s gaze landed on the crumpled form of the priest.

"What happened?"

Lysera demanded, already stepping closer.

Kana exhaled slowly, trying to steady her heartbeat.

"He woke up... so I put him back to sleep."

Irielle’s grin was positively feral.

"That’s my girl."

Kana rolled her eyes but didn’t argue—she was just grateful she’d had the table within reach.

Kana’s chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath, the world still spinning faintly from the adrenaline.

Irielle’s arms remained steady around her, the warmth of her presence cutting through the icy panic that had gripped Kana moments before.

"You’re alright now. Did he hurt you anywhere?"

Irielle murmured, her voice low but firm, the kind of tone that didn’t leave room for doubt. She brushed some loose strands of hair away from Kana’s face, scanning her for injuries.

Kana shook her head, still leaning into Irielle’s hold.

"No... just—"

She tried to speak, but her throat was tight, the words snagging somewhere between relief and exhaustion.

"I thought I could keep going, but—"

"I know."

Irielle’s eyes softened, though her jaw remained tense.

She glanced over her shoulder at the unconscious attacker lying sprawled on the ground, as if making sure he wasn’t about to stir.

"You did well. Better than most trained fighters could’ve managed."

"That was—"

Kana exhaled shakily, finally lifting her head.

"—way too close."

Irielle gave a faint smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

"Close or not, you’re still here. And I intend to keep it that way."

She eased Kana back onto her feet, one arm still wrapped securely around her in case her legs decided to give out again.

Kana found herself clinging to that steady support. The warmth in Irielle’s presence wasn’t loud or overbearing—it was quiet, unwavering, and certain.

"Let’s get you somewhere safe. And then you can tell me everything."

Irielle said, her gaze scanning the shadows ahead.

Kana managed a small nod, still feeling the faint tremor in her legs but no longer afraid of collapsing.

As long as Irielle was here, she didn’t feel like she had to run anymore.

Lysera guided Kana gently toward the bed, her movements surprisingly careful for someone who had just been in a fight.

The moment Kana’s legs touched the edge of the mattress, they seemed to give up entirely, and she sank into the sheets without resistance.

Her breaths were still uneven, and her hands trembled faintly from the lingering adrenaline.

Without a word, Lysera pulled the blanket over her, tucking it snugly beneath her chin as though ensuring no part of her was left exposed.

Irielle stayed close, her eyes following Lysera’s every motion before she moved to smooth the blanket’s edges and adjust Kana’s pillow.

"You stay here with her. I’ll take the attacker to the jail myself. Don’t let anyone in. Don’t leave her side."

Lysera said, her voice low but firm. She glanced at Irielle, her expression carrying an unspoken urgency.

Irielle’s gaze softened as she looked back at Lysera, giving a slow nod.

"You don’t need to worry. I’ll take care of her."

The two exchanged a brief but loaded glance, as if finalizing an agreement they’d already made in silence.

Kana watched this exchange from under the blanket, her eyes heavy but her mind strangely alert.

There was something about the way they spoke—too short, too precise—that made her certain they were hiding something from her.

Her instincts told her it would be better not to press the matter. The feeling carried a strange weight, almost like a warning.

Whatever it was, knowing might only make things harder for her.

Lysera gave Kana one last look, her expression softening for the briefest moment before she turned and left, the sound of her boots fading into the hallway.

Irielle remained beside the bed, pulling a chair close.

"Rest now. I’m not going anywhere."

She murmured.

Kana let out a quiet hum in response, letting her head sink deeper into the pillow.

Despite the unease curling in the back of her mind, the warmth of the blanket and the steady presence of Irielle lulled her into stillness.