Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 13 - Damian's Departure

"Come on, let's eat!"

We sat on the blanket and ate. He had prepared all our favorite snacks, and I enjoyed them thoroughly. The fact that he was here with me made them even sweeter.

"These flowers are so pretty! Did you grow them?"

"With magic, yes. I prepared them just for you."

I giggled. I could see why he was going to be so popular with ladies when he grew up, but I wasn't sure if that was a good thing. It wouldn't be too bad to keep him with me.

Suddenly, he froze.

"Don't move, Val."

"W-what is it?"

"There's a caterpillar on your head."

I screamed and flailed my arms. Damian bent over, laughing. I flushed bright pink.

"That's not funny! I'll put on you, for real!"

"But hey, look at this."

I reluctantly leaned close, and he opened a hand. Red crystal butterflies fluttered out, their wings sparkling as if they were made of light. I stared in awe as some settled on my hair, like pretty jewels. Other ones fluttered around, like little fairies.

"They don't last long, but it's a new spell I've been working on."

He looked at me with that confident smile that could charm the coldest of hearts.

"They're lovely."

I was still annoyed about the caterpillar thing, but this almost made up for it. The butterflies were mesmerizing, and I watched them fly about. Damian smiled again.

"You look like a fairy."

"Of course. I always do."

I smiled smugly as he giggled. He flicked my forehead and I stuck out my tongue at him, then we both laughed. I hit him on the arm, and he hit me back, and soon it was a full on game of tag. We were laughing and chasing each other until we couldn't run anymore, and we laid on the blanket under the warm sunlight.

I had a very nice nap, but when I woke up again, Damian wasn't beside me. The sun wasn't as bright, so I must've slept for a while. I rubbed my eyes and saw Damian standing at the back of the clearing, looking at the river. He turned to me when he saw I was awake.

"Ha, you snored."

"I did not! You probably did!"

He shrugged, smirking. I could again see the yandere in him.

"If you snore, you'll never get married."

"Then I guess you'll die old and alone."

Damian shook his head, laughing, and the light came back to his eyes. He was just a child right now, and my brother. He wasn't a crazy kidnapper and murderer.

"Wanna try something fun?"

"All right."

I was curious to see what could have been more fun than the afternoon we had. He gestured me to go closer to the water, and I did. We stood right on the edge, and he took my hand.

Then we were flying.

I screamed and almost let go of him, but he held onto me tightly. We soared above the trees, high above the ground. It was terrifying, but thrilling.

A moment later, I was laughing. The air rushed around me as we moved towards the castle. The view was amazing, and I could see a large part of our estate all at once. The sun set on the horizon, painting the sky shades of orange and pink. It struck me that Damian shouldn't have this much magic yet, but the thought flew away as we did.

"This is incredible!"

I yelled loudly so that he could hear me. Damian laughed and ruffled my hair.

"I'll learn loads at the academy, and I'll show you even more fun things, all right?"

"Yes!"

This day was one of the best in my life. I was so tired that I didn't even have the energy to be sad at night, but the next morning, I woke up early to see Damian off.

Our family gathered in the front of our estate. Though it was barely dawn, a carriage was already waiting. Once Damian said goodbye to Mother and Father, he came to me.

I kissed him on the cheek, and he hugged me close. I tried to stop the tears from welling into my eyes. It was odd, no one I loved this much had ever had to go away for such a long time.

"I'll see you for the winter holidays," he whispered. "And I'll write tons."

"I'll still miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

When we broke apart, tears were streaming down my face, and his eyes were a little red too, but he smiled and patted my head.

He turned to board the carriage, but a voice stopped him.

"I apologize, am I too late?"

Two old men in white robes followed by younger ones dressed similarly were approaching. A golden symbol was on their robes, the sign of god.

The air tensed, as it did in the presence of unwelcome guests. 

What were priests doing here?