68. Bored
Marcelline lay flat on the velvet couch in her villa, one arm flopped over her forehead while Leo curled in his animal form at her feet like a grumpy oversized predator-cat. His tail flicked, annoyed at her sighing for the hundredth time.
One full week in Sparklight Country, Hollowmist City…
One full week of sensing nothing but weak, pathetic demon remnants.
Nothing worth her power.
Nothing connected to that presence she was hunting.
She groaned, kicking her foot lightly.
"Where did you goooo… damn parasite…"
Leo huffed in agreement.
Then—her phone buzzed.
Amara.
Marcelline didn't even sit up. She just swiped to answer.
"What now?" she muttered.
Amara's voice came sharp and worried.
"Any trace? Any movement? Give me something, Elli."
"Nothing."
Marcelline dragged a hand down her face.
"Just weaklings. Absolute weaklings. I'm getting bored, Amara. Bored and tired."
"Elli, don't be reckless," Amara warned.
"You know this entity isn't a normal one. If it killed in the human realm in broad sight, it knows how to hide too."
Marcelline scoffed.
"I fought an army in the jungle three nights ago. Easy warm-up. Nothing that felt like the source."
"…Army?" Amara nearly choked.
"You WHAT—?!"
"It was tiny," Marcelline said casually.
"I didn't mention it because it wasn't worth reporting."
"That is NOT tiny—!"
Before Amara could continue, a soft, clear, high little voice chimed in:
"Auntiii Elli?"
Marcelline sat up instantly.
Her entire exhaustion cracked.
"Mia?" she asked, a small smile tugging her lips.
A decisive, proud little hum,
"Yes! Auntiiii Elli! I wanted to say hiiii!"
Leo perked up, ears flicking.
Marcelline's voice softened to a tone she used for no one else.
"Hello, my princess."
"I made a drawing!" Mia said, the confidence of a future queen in her tone.
"It's you… fighting a biiig scary monster."
Amara muttered in the back, "…how does she always know."
Marcelline chuckled.
"Oh? Did I win?"
Mia giggled.
"Of course! You're Auntiii Elli! You always win."
Marcelline's chest warmed.
"Come home soon, okay?" Mia continued.
"I want to braid your hair… and Leo's tail."
Leo growled immediately.
Mia laughed harder.
"He can't hide! I'll catch him!"
Marcelline snorted.
"You can try, little beast."
"Love you, Auntiii Elli," Mia said sweetly.
"I love you more, my princess."
Call ended with a soft tap.
Silence returned to the villa…
But this time, Marcelline didn't feel tired.
She felt grounded.
Calmer.
A little energized.
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