I Will End My 10-Year Unrequited Love - Chapter 25

“Why do you always make me regret this? Why have you changed like this?”

Why did he make her regret even innocent love? Why did he turn what had once been pure and happy into something terrifying?

At Elia’s voice, Cyrone briefly lifted his head. Yet, the muzzle remained aimed at Rias’s airway.

“…You’re the reason I changed.”

Cyrone let out a short, bitter laugh. Having spent half his childhood on the battlefield, his fingertips still skillfully rested on the lever. He clenched his trembling fingers tightly.

In the dense, deep forest, the smell of dry firewood hung in the air. Even the cries of wild beasts had ceased. The wind that once rustled the leaves fell silent.

Like a frightened young animal trapped with no escape, Elia and Rias couldn’t take a single step.

Their eyes, soaked in fear and confusion, fixed on Cyrone.

Bang—!

Another deafening shot rang out. The entire forest seemed to shudder as the barrel fiercely spat out a bullet. The sleek metal projectile cut through the air with one purpose, to pierce a throat.

Elia shut her eyes tightly.

“…Ugh.”

In that instant, a short, choking cry sounded in the void. Could it be Rias’s groan? Had the bullet really pierced Rias’s heart? Elia nervously cracked open her trembling eyes.

“You’re stupid anyway. As soon as you put some distance, you get careless.”

Cyrone lowered the barrel to the ground. The muzzle, still glowing with heat, quivered uncontrollably with deadly intent.

“The smell of blood…”

Rias grimaced. Somewhere nearby, the breath of a hidden beast had finally been cut off. Only after confirming that Rias was unharmed did Elia release a shallow breath. The scent of blood from the dying creature hung thick in the air.

As if asking why everyone was standing still, Cyrone gestured toward the fallen beast. Farus, who had been guarding behind, quickly dashed into the forest.

Cyrone roughly brushed back his tousled hair. The predator standing under the fading sunlight, back to the meadow, now showed a completely expressionless face.

“I have it.”

Farus placed the corpse with the pierced airway before Cyrone. Cyrone flicked the spot where the bullet casing was embedded with his foot and lifted his head. His dry, indifferent gaze finally fixed on Rias.

“Next time, I won’t miss your head.”

Everyone present understood clearly who the warning was meant for.

Without hesitation, Cyrone tore his gaze away from Rias and mounted his horse. The white horse, waiting for its rider, began to trot.

“…”

Suddenly turning his head, Cyrone quietly looked down at Elia. Elia met his eyes with a mixture of anger and contempt. Their gazes locked stubbornly on each other for a long moment.

“Bring her.”

Cyrone spoke sharply to the lined-up knights. Without hesitation, they turned and dashed toward where Elia stood. Watching them, Cyrone tightened his grip on the reins. The horse, shivering from the sharp whip, burst forward fiercely toward the meadow.

And just like that, Cyrone vanished as if into a midday dream. But Elia kept staring relentlessly at his departing figure for a very long time.

Rias quietly wrapped his arms around Elia’s shoulders. Only then did Elia seem to regain her awareness, slowly stroking Rias’s cheek. Resting his face gently against her hand, Rias whispered,

“Elia, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. But you, Rias…”

Probably the most surprised person in this situation was Rias himself. Yet, wanting to comfort Elia first, he smiled even more brightly than before. Holding her hand softly, he slowly soothed her.

“It’s okay. How about you? Are you hurt anywhere? Were you scared?”

Rias asked gently. In truth, he had every reason to be terrified, but somehow his face was calm, untouched by any shock.

On the other hand, Elia’s eyes held a mix of anger and contempt she had never shown before. Watching her like that, Rias said,

“I’ve been watching you closely since you were sixteen. But…”

Elia lifted her head at his words. Rias tenderly brushed the moisture from her eyes as if pitying her.

“This is the first time I’ve seen you with such troubled eyes.”

In truth, Rias already knew. It wouldn’t be easy for Elia to sever her ties with Cyrone. The more she denied her connection to him, the more pained and distressed she seemed.

At least to Rias, she never once appeared truly free.

“I’m sorry. Lately, it’s really been too much…”

Elia shook her head, overwhelmed. She had tried to break her bond with Cyrone herself, but could do nothing. Instead, she still twisted under him like a siren, moaning.

Even now, thinking of that day when she shared her body with Cyrone sent a sharp sensation rushing from her toes upward. His marks remained all over her body.

“Rias, I—”

“Miss, His Highness has ordered that you be brought along. You must come with us.”