The Incubus System Chapter 1041. My Instinct Told Me

The Incubus System Chapter 1041. My Instinct Told Me

She nodded again, this time more slowly, her eyes reflecting a deep sadness that she had clearly been holding back for a long time. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I miss my sisters... and everyone I knew. I miss the light that surrounded us, the way we were all connected. But now... I might not be able to see them again. Not ever."

I watched her for a moment, unsure of what to say. What could I possibly offer in the face of such loss? Then, after a beat, I smiled softly. "Well, you have me," I said, trying to bring some lightness back into the conversation. "I’m half-angel, after all. Kind of..." I grinned, hoping to coax at least a small smile out of her.

“If you can break my seal soon," I muttered under my breath, not really intending for her to hear. But, of course, she did.

Her gaze sharpened, and she shot me a look. "I heard that," she said, though her tone wasn’t as harsh as I’d expected. There was something softer there, something almost playful.

I grinned, trying to recover. "What? I’m just saying," I shrugged. "Anyway, you also have Celia. She’s… well, still human, but she’s got Erebus blood like me." I gestured vaguely toward the house, knowing Celia was still asleep somewhere upstairs.

Puriel seemed to soften a little at the mention of Celia, her smile becoming a bit more genuine. "Celia…" she repeated thoughtfully. "I haven’t met her yet, have I?"

"Not properly, no," I said. "But she’ll be around soon enough. She’s a good person. A bit clumsy and annoying at times, but you’ll like her."

There was a long pause as Puriel digested that. I could see the conflicting emotions swirling behind her eyes—hope, sadness, curiosity. It was as if she was trying to figure out how to fit into this strange new reality.

"You’re not alone," I said softly, my voice more serious now. "I know it feels like it right now, but you’re not. This world… it’s hard, yeah, and it’s not where you’re from. But you’ll find your place. And until then, I’m here."

Her gaze softened, her eyes meeting mine with a depth that made my chest tighten. For a moment, she looked like she wanted to say something, something profound, but the words seemed to slip away before they could form.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I shrugged, trying to act casual even though the intensity of the moment was hard to ignore. "Don’t mention it. Just… don’t expect me to be all perfect."

She chuckled softly, and for the first time since I’d freed her, the sound wasn’t tinged with sadness or fear. It was light and genuine.

"I think I’m okay with that," she said, her eyes brightening just a little.

I nodded, feeling a bit of the tension in my chest ease. "Good. Now, let’s focus on getting you settled here. It might not be heaven, but it’s not so bad."

Puriel offered a faint smile, one that seemed a little more genuine now. She was adjusting, but it was clear this new reality was going to take time to fully settle in. Before I could say anything else, the faint sound of footsteps above drew my attention. Two distinct sets of footsteps, moving carefully—almost too carefully. It wasn’t the usual casual shuffle I heard when Celia woke up in the mornings. This was different, cautious, and purposeful.

I glanced toward the stairs as the sound of voices followed. Foxy’s voice was low, warning, and protective. Celia’s quieter, uncertain, but trying to stay calm. It didn’t take long to understand why.

Foxy appeared first, but her entire posture screamed vigilance. Her fox ears were perked, her tails flicking behind her in sharp, deliberate movements. She had the stance of someone ready to strike at the first sign of danger. Behind her, Celia followed, her face pale but composed, clearly trusting Foxy’s instincts but still wary of whatever had unsettled my demon servant.

Their eyes landed on Puriel almost immediately. I could see the shift in Foxy’s demeanor, the moment she sensed the angelic presence in the room. Her hackles raised, her posture becoming even more defensive.

"Master," Foxy said, her voice low and sharp, her eyes never leaving Puriel. "What’s going on here?" Her words were laced with suspicion.

Celia, standing just behind Foxy, peered over her shoulder at Puriel. Her expression was a mix of concern and curiosity. "Is… is everything okay?" she asked, her voice soft, but there was a hint of unease in her tone. It wasn’t every day she woke up to find an angel sitting at your breakfast table.

I stood up, raising a hand to calm them both down. "Relax," I said, my voice steady but firm. "This is Puriel. She’s with me."

Foxy’s eyes narrowed, her fox ears twitching slightly as she assessed the situation. "With you?" she echoed, clearly not convinced. "She’s that angel?"

"Yes," I replied, my tone carrying a slight edge. "And she’s not a threat."

Foxy took a step forward, her stance still tense. "Forgive me for being cautious," she said, her tone polite but laced with skepticism.

Puriel, to her credit, remained calm. She stood up slowly, her hands raised in a gesture of peace. "I understand your caution," she said, her voice soft but steady. "I’m not here to cause harm. I was… freed by him." She glanced at me, her expression softening just slightly. "I have nowhere else to go."

“I know. Master has told me about you before.” Foxy’s eyes flicked toward me. It wasn’t like her to challenge me, but I could see that she was struggling with this.

Celia finally stepped forward, her face still pale but her curiosity winning out over her fear. "So… she’s staying with us?" she asked, looking between me and Puriel.

"Yes," I said, nodding.

Foxy’s tails swished behind her, her eyes never leaving Puriel’s face. "I hate to say this, Master. But I don’t trust her," she said bluntly, her voice low. "My instinct told me."

"You don’t have to trust her," I replied calmly. "But you have to respect her. She’s under my protection."

Foxy’s ears twitched again, and she gave a small nod. "Understood, master," she said, though the tension in her voice hadn’t fully disappeared.