Reincarnated as the Villainess’s Unlucky Bodyguard

Liria adjusted the black cloak around her shoulders as she made her way through the halls of the demon palace. The once-familiar warmth she felt walking through these corridors had dulled into something distant, detached. Her hair, now entirely jet-black, flowed behind her like a shadowy veil. It was sleek and perfect, but there was no trace of the silvery gleam that had once caught the light.

Her companions had noticed the change almost immediately. Enara, now more reserved herself, often glanced at Liria with concern, her lips pressed into a thin line as though debating whether to speak up. Daena, on the other hand, had grown far less subtle. She hovered more than usual, her violet eyes narrowing whenever Liria remained silent for too long.

Liria, however, didn't mind the silence. In fact, she welcomed it. The endless chatter of the world felt more grating than ever before. Even Ananara, her ever-judgmental pineapple familiar, seemed to tread cautiously around her these days, muttering his usual insults under his breath rather than hurling them at her outright.

Today was no different. Liria had been in the training grounds since dawn, honing her swordsmanship. Her Shadowflare Blade had become an extension of herself its black flames danced in time with her strikes, and every swing felt more natural than breathing. Yet, despite her newfound precision and power, there was no satisfaction in her progress.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

When she returned to the dining hall later that morning, the atmosphere shifted immediately. Enara sat stiffly at the head of the table, her usual confidence dimmed by the weight of her unspoken worries. Daena was there as well, her arms crossed as she leaned against the far wall, watching Liria intently.

"Good morning," Liria said, her voice calm and measured. She moved to her seat and began eating without waiting for a response.

Enara hesitated, then set her utensils down with a sigh. "Liria... we need to talk."

Liria glanced up, her expression unreadable. "About?"

Enara exchanged a look with Daena, who raised an eyebrow as if to say, You started this finish it. Enara straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath.

"You've changed," she said, her voice soft but steady. "And I don't mean just your hair. You've become... colder. Distant."

Liria set her fork down and folded her hands neatly in front of her. "I'm still here, aren't I? I'm still fighting, still training, still doing everything that's expected of me."

"That's not the point," Enara said, her voice growing firmer. "You're shutting us out. You barely talk to anyone anymore. You've stopped smiling."

"Maybe there's nothing to smile about," Liria replied evenly, her gaze piercing.

Daena pushed off the wall, her wings shifting slightly as she moved closer. "Liria, I've known you long enough to see what's happening. This... detachment it's not natural. It's like something's pulling you away from yourself."

Liria's jaw tightened, though she kept her expression neutral. "I'm fine. I don't need to be coddled."

Before either Enara or Daena could respond, the heavy doors to the hall creaked open, and a cloaked figure stepped inside. The stranger moved with a slow, deliberate grace, their hood obscuring their face.

Daena tensed immediately, her wings flaring slightly as she placed herself between the stranger and the others. "Who are you, and what do you want?"

The figure raised their hands in a gesture of peace. "I mean no harm," they said, their voice smooth and calm. "I come with information something that may be of great interest to you."

"Speak quickly," Daena said, her tone sharp.

The stranger inclined their head. "I have heard whispers of a place called the Wailing Caverns. It is said to house a treasure of immense power one that could aid those who are struggling against forces beyond their control."

Liria's eyes narrowed. "And what exactly is this treasure?"

The stranger's gaze shifted toward her, though their face remained hidden. "A shard of primordial magic, imbued with the power to stabilize one's essence. For someone experiencing... changes, it could provide clarity and balance."

Daena's frown deepened. "And why would you bring this to us? What's in it for you?"

The stranger chuckled softly. "I have no stake in this. I am merely a messenger. Whether you act on this information or not is entirely up to you."

Enara leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "How do we know this isn't a trap?"

"You don't," the stranger admitted. "But the Wailing Caverns are a place of legend. Few dare to enter, and fewer still return. If you seek answers, you must be willing to take risks."

Liria studied the stranger, her mind racing. Something about their presence felt off, but the mention of a shard of magic piqued her curiosity. Could it really help her? Could it silence the growing void within her?

Daena, however, wasn't convinced. "You expect us to send her into a death trap based on vague rumors?"

The stranger turned to Daena. "You underestimate her strength. She has faced far worse, has she not?"

Liria's expression hardened. "Enough," she said, rising from her seat. Her voice carried a weight that silenced the room. "I'll go."

Enara shot to her feet. "Liria, no! This is too dangerous. We don't even know if it's real!"

"It doesn't matter," Liria replied, her tone icy. "If there's even a chance that it can help, I have to try."

Daena stepped forward, her expression fierce. "You're not doing this alone. If you're going, I'm going with you."

"No," Liria said firmly. "This is something I have to do on my own."

"Liria—" Enara began, but Liria cut her off.

"I've made my decision," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument.

The stranger bowed slightly. "The entrance to the Wailing Caverns lies in the Abyssal Forest. May fortune favor you, young warrior."

As the stranger left, silence settled over the hall. Enara and Daena exchanged worried glances, but neither spoke.

The first to break the silence was Ananara, who floated indignantly onto the table, his oversized, spiked pineapple form wobbling slightly. His usual smug air was replaced with something bordering on outrage.

"Are you all mad?" he snapped, his voice sharper than usual. "You're seriously considering letting her waltz into some death trap alone? A place called the Wailing Caverns, no less. Because, oh yes, that name just screams 'perfectly safe!' Why not throw a party while you're at it? Complete with tombstones as party favors!"

Liria leveled a cold stare at him. "I didn't ask for your opinion, Ananara."

"Well, too bad! You've got it anyway," he retorted, his spikes bristling dramatically. "You've been making questionable decisions lately, but this one takes the rotten fruitcake! You can't just—"

"Enough." Liria's tone was icy, her green and amber eyes narrowing. "This isn't up for debate. I've already made my decision."

Daena, who had been quietly watching the exchange, crossed her arms and stepped forward. "Ananara's right, Liria. This isn't like you. You're reckless, sure, but you're not stupid. You're not going in there alone."

Liria turned to Daena, her gaze sharp. "I don't need anyone's help."

Daena's eyes flashed violet as she squared her shoulders. "You're not giving us a choice. You might think you've got everything under control, but you don't. Not this time. Whatever's happening to you, it's changing you and not for the better. You're not going in there without backup."

Enara stood abruptly, slamming her hands on the table. "She's right. I'm not just going to sit here and watch you walk into a trap. If you think I'm letting you do this alone, you're delusional."

Liria's gaze shifted to Enara, her expression hardening. "I'm not asking you to let me do anything. This is my fight, my choice."

Enara's midnight eyes blazed with frustration. "You're not listening! We don't care if you want to do this alone we're coming with you, whether you like it or not!"

"You're all overreacting," Liria said, her voice low and steady, though there was a flicker of annoyance in her tone. "This is something I have to handle myself. I don't need anyone slowing me down."

"Slowing you down?" Daena echoed, her wings flaring slightly. "Have you forgotten who you're talking to? I was conquering realms before you even learned how to swing a sword properly."

"Not to mention," Enara added, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "that I am a demon princess. I think I can keep up."

Ananara let out a derisive snort. "Oh, this is rich. The so-called 'chosen hero' thinks she's better off without us. Newsflash, Liria: You're good, but you're not invincible. And honestly? You're an idiot if you think you can face whatever's in those caverns alone."

Liria's jaw tightened, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "I don't need your help," she repeated, though her voice wavered slightly.

Daena stepped closer, her gaze softening just enough to reveal the concern behind her stern exterior. "Liria, listen to me. I know you're trying to protect us, or maybe you think this is something you have to do on your own. But you're wrong. You're not alone in this. We're your family, whether you like it or not."

Enara nodded, her expression softening as well. "We care about you, idiot. So stop acting like you have to shoulder everything by yourself. You don't."

Ananara huffed. "For once, I actually agree with these two. Don't make me regret this moment of solidarity."

Liria's eyes darted between the three of them. Their insistence was unwavering, their concern palpable. For a brief moment, the icy mask she wore cracked, and a flicker of doubt crossed her face. But she quickly shoved it aside, straightening her posture.

"Fine," she said, her voice clipped. "Do whatever you want. But don't get in my way."

Enara smirked, crossing her arms. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Daena gave her a knowing look. "You'll thank us later."

Ananara rolled his eyes or what would be his eyes if he had them. "This is going to be a disaster. I hope you're all ready for that."