THE ZOESTERY

The mission was supposed to be easy.

A minor possession case. Small demon threat.

Routine.

But nothing ever goes as planned.

Zoey only heard the scream.

Followed by the crack of concrete.

Followed by silence.

She rounded the corner in the underground tunnel — breath ragged, eyes wild — and froze.

Mystery was on the ground.

Blood.

So much blood.

And the jagged shards of a broken ward crystal buried in his side.

"No no no—MYSTERY!"

She dropped to her knees beside him.

His skin was pale, eyes fluttering. His breathing came in short, pained gasps.

"You're okay. You're okay. Please—look at me, talk to me—"

His eyes opened slowly.

"...Zoey..."

Her heart shattered.

"I-I'm fine," he croaked, trying to push himself up.

"DON'T MOVE!" Zoey's voice cracked.

"Why would you protect me like that?! You were supposed to wait for me—"

"You were in danger."

"I can handle myself!"

Mystery's hand trembled as he reached for hers.

"I'd take a thousand wounds... if it meant you'd walk away without a scratch."

Zoey burst into tears. Real, messy, unstoppable.

"Don't you dare say that," she sobbed. "Don't talk like it's okay to leave me. You idiot. You—stupid, selfless idiot."

She pulled him into her arms, careful of the wound, cradling his head against her shoulder.

"You're not allowed to leave me, okay?"

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

"I need you. I can't lose you."

His breath hitched.

"...You really mean that?"

Zoey looked down, eyes burning, nose red, lips trembling.

"I'm in love with you, Mystery."

Silence.

Then... a faint, broken smile.

"I was hoping you'd say that before I passed out."

He blacked out.

But not before he felt her press her forehead to his and whisper:

"Come back to me. You hear me? I'll be right here. Always."

Later, at the infirmary...

Mystery woke up to dim lights and warmth beside him.

Zoey was curled in the chair, hand still clasped in his, tear streaks on her cheeks, still wearing her demon-hunter gear, still waiting.

He whispered her name.

Her eyes flew open.

And then she lunged forward and hugged him like she'd never let go again.

"You scared me," she whispered. "Don't you ever scare me like that again."

He buried his face in her neck.

"I promise."

*Love isn't just stolen kisses and starlit dreams.

It's choosing someone even when they're bleeding,

even when they're broken.

And it's staying...

no matter how much it hurts.* 💔🌙