The night passed quietly, the two young adults immersed in the study of magic. Evangeline patiently guided Leonardo through the various symbols and basics of holy magic. With each passing moment, Leonardo’s confidence grew.

  “Hey, Evangeline,” he asked, glancing around the hut, “isn’t it kind of evil that we stole the goblins’ hideout?”

  Evangeline turned to him with a wry smile. “I hate it, honestly. But goblins patrol the area—they don’t go into each other’s homes. It’s the safest place for us to hide.” She waved her hands dramatically, as if to emphasize her distaste.

  With a chuckle, she began packing her things and snuggled into her sleeping bag. Leonardo followed suit, murmuring a soft, “Goodnight,” before closing his eyes.

  ******

  Morning broke, golden rays streaming through the cracks in the hut’s walls. The two packed their belongings quickly, checking on the goblins before leaving. Evangeline made sure they were still unconscious before untying them, then gestured for Leonardo to follow her to their horse.

  After feeding the horse, they set off down the dirt path. Leonardo, still half-asleep, groaned when Evangeline announced, “If we keep this pace, we’ll be there by evening.”

  “Jeez,” he muttered, rubbing his eyes.

  Despite his grogginess, Leonardo couldn’t help but feel a spark of pride. He’d survived the previous day’s battle. Maybe—just maybe—he could grow strong enough to live in this world, to save it.

  Now out in the fields once again, the boy felt a rush of confidence.

  “Evangeline,” he began, his voice unsure, “I think I—”

  His words were cut off as their horse stumbled with a loud whinny, throwing both riders to the ground.

  Leonardo hit the dirt with a painful thud, coughing as he scrambled to his feet. His heart stopped when he looked up. At the crest of a nearby hill stood a mob of goblins, their bows drawn and aimed directly at them.

  “Stay close to me!” Evangeline yelled, her voice sharp with urgency. She traced a glowing circle in the air with her finger, the golden rune expanding outward to form a shimmering barrier around them. Arrows rained down, but the shield absorbed each one, the air vibrating with the impact.

  The goblins ceased their barrage, chittering amongst themselves. Then, with a unified cry, they charged down the hill.

  Leonardo’s stomach dropped as he watched the horde descend. “There’s too many of them,” he whispered, panic creeping into his voice.

  “Do not leave the circle, Leo,” Evangeline ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument. She stepped out of the barrier, staff raised, facing the oncoming tide with an unflinching gaze.

  The air around her grew thick with tension. The crystal at her staff’s tip began to glow, first faintly, then blindingly bright. A swirling orb of flames formed at its peak, growing rapidly until it was the size of a small carriage.

  “I didn’t want to do this,” she muttered before releasing the spell.

  The fireball shot forward, streaking across the field like a comet before exploding in the midst of the goblin horde. The force of the blast shook the ground, a wave of heat rolling over them as flames consumed everything in its path.

  Leonardo stared, wide-eyed, as the battlefield turned into a scene of carnage. Charred bodies littered the ground, the once-terrifying mob reduced to smoldering remnants.

  Evangeline fell to one knee, her breath ragged, the spell visibly draining her.

  Before Leonardo could react, a handful of goblins who had hung back from the blast charged forward, seizing the opportunity to strike.

  “Evangeline!” he shouted, rushing out of the barrier to pull her back.

  “Stay back!” she bellowed, but it was too late.

  Pain blossomed in Leonardo’s side, sharp and searing. He stumbled, his legs buckling beneath him. As he hit the ground, he realized he’d been struck—an arrow protruded from his side, blood soaking into his clothes.

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  Evangeline’s face twisted with panic as she rushed to him, her staff glowing once more.

  Leonardo’s vision blurred as agony tore through him. His thoughts raced—was this it? Was he going to die here, in a world that wasn’t even his own?

  “I’m not ready to die,” he whispered hoarsely, tears streaming down his face. “I… I’m sorry…”

  Evangeline stood protectively over him, the crystal at her staff burning with renewed intensity. “You’re not dying, Leo. Not here, not now,” she said, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes.

  “I’ll still f—”

  The strength to hold his eyes open faded, and soon darkness took hold of his vision. Evangeline’s teary face was the last thing he saw.

  ******

  “I won’t die!” the boy bellowed, erupting from his slumber. A sharp pain enveloped his side, forcing him to clutch at the afflicted area. Looking down, he noticed silk sheets draped over his body, his skin damp with sweat.

  “Was it a dream? No... It happened. It definitely happened.”

  He gripped the sheets tightly, his teeth grinding against each other. The weight of his previous predicament pressed down like an immovable boulder.

  I thought I was dead. I seriously can’t do this. I can’t just throw my life away. No. No.

  The door to the room suddenly swung open with a bang. Standing in the doorway was a teary-eyed Evangeline, clad in her nightgown. She rushed toward him, throwing her arms around him and hugging him tightly.

  “Leo, you’re okay!” she cried, her voice cracking with emotion.

  “Ack! It hurts!” he wheezed, but her grip didn’t loosen.

  “It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have forced you to leave with me. My father was right…” she whimpered, her voice trembling with guilt.

  “Evangeline.” His voice was firm but soft. Her sobs quieted as she pulled back, releasing him.

  He met her gaze, his own eyes heavy with emotion. “I can’t be the hero.”

  “Leo, I—” She tried to respond, but he cut her off.

  “I mean it. I can’t—”

  But this time, she interrupted him. “I understand.”

  “What?” His head tilted in disbelief.

  “I realized... I can’t force you into this life. It has to be your choice. Look at what happened—you almost died.” Guilt was written all over her face.

  Leonardo blinked, stunned. He was so used to being pushed into situations against his will. Her acceptance of his decision brought an unexpected wave of relief.

  “Please… tell your father,” he said, lowering his gaze to the sheets.

  “Okay,” she replied softly. After a pause, she asked, “But... can I stay here and talk for a bit?”

  “One condition.” He looked up, his expression tired but curious. “You tell me what happened yesterday after I blacked out.”

  “Four days ago,” she corrected with a small smile. “But sure.”

  “Four days!?” He said bewildered.

  “You’ve been out for a while. I-“ She said before stopping herself, “anyways the story.”

  ******

  Evangeline’s fingers trembled as she knelt beside Leonardo’s bloody, unconscious form. The horse lay injured nearby, struggling weakly.

  “I can’t let you die,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

  Her staff rose once more, the crystal at its tip glowing faintly as she weaved a golden barrier around them. The arrows clattered harmlessly against it, but her energy was waning.

  “If you don’t die, I’ll take us back. Somewhere safe.”

  After declaring this, the girl transfer the mana of her shield into the ground. This caused the ground to spike out, creating a makeshift stone barrier.

  She’d then lower her staff, tracing her fingers through the air, forming a green rune above Leonardo and the horse. A soft, pulsing light surrounded them as the spell began to work.

  “Stay with me… Please,” she begged, her voice cracking as she focused all her energy on healing him.

  The ground beneath her began to tremble as the remaining goblins regrouped. Their courage faltered at the sight of her power, but some pressed forward, determination gleaming in their eyes.

  The spikes she’d summoned earlier erupted once again, firing toward the advancing goblins. Most were impaled or forced to retreat, but a handful dodged, closing in on her position. Evangeline gritted her teeth. Her exhaustion was evident; sweat dripped from her brow, and her breath came in ragged gasps.

  Leonardo’s bleeding had slowed, but he was far from stable. The horse, however, had regained its strength.

  Desperation pushed her onward. With shaking hands, she helped the horse to its feet, forcing Leonardo onto its back. Binding him to the saddle with a spell, she climbed up behind him, one arm around his waist to hold him steady.

  “Stay with me, Leo... Stay with me,” she murmured, urging the horse forward.

  The goblins gave chase, but her determination burned brighter. Channelling the last of her mana, she cast one final barrier behind them as the horse galloped away into the forest.

  ******

  “And that’s the gist of it,” Evangeline finished, her voice soft but steady. “My healing magic isn’t great, but... it kept you alive long enough.” She offered a sincere smile, though a flicker of worry lingered in her eyes.

  Leonardo’s fingers tightened around the sheets, his throat tightening. “I… I don’t know how to thank you,” he murmured, his voice wavering. Gratitude mingled with guilt, his words barely above a whisper. “Seriously, don’t worry,” she replied, her tone warm yet firm. The room fell into a still silence, the weight of the conversation lingering between them.

  After a moment, Evangeline gave a small nod, her expression thoughtful. “You probably need some time to process everything. Goodnight,” she added, leaning in to give him a gentle hug of reassurance before stepping away.

  As the door clicked shut behind her, Leonardo let out a long sigh. A wave of fatigue washed over him, pulling him back into the soft embrace of the bed. He yawned, his body sinking deeper under the covers, and his eyes slowly fluttered shut. Sleep came easily this time, the heaviness of the day fading as his breathing steadied.