Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Crackle

Thunder rolled across the sky as rain hammered down on the earth.

The forest was already thick, damp, and suffocating—and with the storm pouring in, it had become nothing short of hell.

Annabelle let out a tired sigh as she pulled the canvas tighter over her head. She knew it wouldn't help much.

Perched on a high branch, her sharp eyes never left the hill in the distance—the hill that hid the headquarters of Skulth.

There have been no movements since this morning even though for the past few days, a few carts went inside the base and came out from the other exit.

She had been here for three long days, watching, waiting, keeping guard so she could warn her Darling the moment their enemies made a move.

Digging into her pocket, she pulled out a strip of jerky and tore off a piece. At the same time, she checked the server.

Her heart skipped.

"Ah!" She almost dropped the jerky. A message—her Darling was texting her!

Fingers trembling with excitement, she hurried to reply:

"Hello, Darling. I was just thinking about you."

The next message came quickly:

[Are you still there?]

Annabelle had already told him where she'd be, so she knew exactly what he was asking.

"Yes, I am. Don't worry, Darling," she typed back. "I haven't taken my eyes off their base, not even for a second."

Her expression hardened. "I have my eyes on them," she whispered to herself.

She knew how important this mission was.

If it were up to her, she would have stormed into that base days ago, tearing down their walls and cutting down anyone who dared to threaten her Darling. To even think of harming him was a crime worthy of death.

That was why her blood burned with impatience. Every second, she wanted to rise, charge, and slaughter.

But no…she held herself back. Darling wouldn't be happy if she acted recklessly.

Another message blinked on the screen:

[Bella… I feel guilty leaving you there—ah! Why don't I just plant an artifact to keep an eye on them?]

Annabelle stared at the words for a moment, then shook her head. As much as she wanted to be by his side, she couldn't let desire cloud the mission.

Her reply was calm, yet firm:

"Well, that might make us too dependent on it. The artifact wouldn't detect strong magic, especially if they used teleportation. And it won't cover the whole area—it can't pick up every unnatural movement. Right?"

There was a brief pause before his reply came through:

[So… does that mean you're going to stay there until I'm ready with the team and equipment? That could take days, Bella.]

Annabelle's lips curled into a grin.

"Don't worry, Darling," she typed back. "I'm used to being alone, doing nothing. And besides, I've got a nice shelter here and plenty of food. It's actually very comfortable."

A lie.

The cold rain, the damp branches, the constant ache in her body—it was far from comfortable. But she could never let him feel guilty.

This was the first time anyone had managed to get such a solid lead on the Demon Cult, and she knew just how important her watch was. If she left, everything could slip away.

Yes, it hurt to be apart from her Darling, every hour feeling like a knife twisting in her chest. But once this was over, once their enemies were crushed, she would finally have her time with him—time that no one would dare to interrupt.

Straightening her back with renewed resolve, she sent her final words with confidence:

"Trust Bella, Darling. I'll wait for your arrival."

The chat suddenly cut off.

Annabelle lowered her head, staring at the dark screen. She knew her Darling must still be sad about leaving her here.

And yet… there was nothing she could do to ease his heart.

"Well, even if I say I'm fine…" she whispered to herself. The truth weighed heavier than she cared to admit—ever since reuniting with her Darling and spending so much time around Ruby, she had grown used to having someone beside her, someone to talk to.

Now, the silence pressed down on her. The forest felt colder. Lonelier.

Crackle

Thunder rolled once more, shaking the sky.

A droplet of water struck her shoulder, then another. She sighed, shifting slightly, preparing to move to a drier spot—when, all at once, the dripping stopped.

"…?" Her eyes narrowed.

Before she could question it, the faintest shift in the air reached her senses. Someone was behind her.

She spun, instincts snapping awake, and caught a wrist mid-strike. Her grip tightened like iron—until a pained voice cut through the storm.

"Ou—! Shouldn't have tried sneaking up on you…"

Annabelle froze. Her heart skipped. That voice—

"...D-Darling?"

She released the hand instantly, her wide eyes drinking in the figure before her.

"Darling!"

Her thoughts tangled in chaos. This wasn't a dream. He was here. Her Darling had come for her.

Had he been that worried? So worried that he crossed the storm just to reach her?

Of course he did. That had to be it.

Her chest trembled, her vision blurring.

Drip. Drip.

Before she realized it, tears were sliding down her cheeks, faster than the rain.

Adrian let out a quiet sigh, a helpless smile tugging at his lips. Gently, he brushed away her tears before pulling her into his arms.

"Now don't break my heart by crying like this," he whispered.

Annabelle sniffled, burying her face against his chest. She wept like a child who had finally found her parents after a long, lonely day at school.

Her trembling fingers clutched at the hem of his shirt as she stammered, "I…I just didn't expect you…and when you suddenly showed up, I…uuu…Darling, I'm so happy."

It was strange—something so simple, so ordinary as him appearing here without warning could fill her entire world with joy.

'I'm glad I came,' Adrian murmured under his breath, his hand moving in soft circles along her back, grounding her, comforting her.

No matter the battles she had fought.

No matter the titles she carried.

At her core, she was still Bella—the same lonely girl Adrian had first seen in that slave store, small and quiet, struggling to hide her pain while carrying a box far too heavy for her frail arms.

Smilingly, he whispered, "Never tell me that you are okay with being alone. You are not alone anymore, Bella."

She hummed, "I am sorry…I won't ever."

"Good girl."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you are enjoying the story so far, drop a comment.