#kellan malphas

[branewurms]

whomst

[mysticinstantnoodles]

Hearts for my two favorite demons 💕

[annicaax]

Kellan Malphas.

Kellan -- the name signifies power brilliance, brightness

Malphas-- stands for a major powerful demon. The malphas lineage doesn't boast righteousness, but I'm sure our demon cap'n is different as he chose the ward! He wants a better society. In one of the stories, Nate's... We learn that he has a grandmother. And in Sascha's, we learnt he has ties with the limbo he wants to severe.

Good VNs ... Great VN writers name their characters after lots of lots of brainstorming and as a writer myself I do the same while picking names while framing my characters of my original fics.

Just a random post dedicated to my favorite demon captain. You're loved you're missed. Fantasy isn't my genre but I'm gonna imagine my fantasy romance with you inside my head now. I'm having some pretty ideas in pretty blonde head of mine. (In reality I'm not blonde lol)

Everyone who'd anticipated his route in the past, and who's read this post now, feel free to imagine romacing this hell of a man for yourself. Yeah, our hopes are dashed but at least we had something... right? Also if interested, do checkout my ideas for his route from above~ just click on my linked post

End note: My big thanks to the wonderful artists and writers who made this series. WWL may be underrated but it's #1 many like me. Thanks for great times.

[wlw-lovestruck-fiction]

Adding on to the other anon, I'm over here waiting for Ruelle to get a route. Wonder if we'll ever get it..

Oh yeah, and the same goes for WLL. Hasn't it been a year or so since the last survey? 🤔 I'm hoping for Belle and Kellan, but knowing Lovestruck... they might just drop the series instead. - Mod Jessa

[aromantic-misguide-to-romance]

I haven't opened Lovestruck in months but seeing that there'll be no Kellan route I'm very not opening the app in the nearest future.

[annicaax]

Exactly...!!

Wait why is the MC sounding like me?!! Is it happening?? Is Kellan next?? Hope he has more than 4 seasons!!! God, I'd be dancing in joy if he's next

[mysticinstantnoodles]

For anyone interested, but not reading Sascha's route, Kellan is the knowledge demon.

If you don't remember him here's his beautiful face:

And I still want (and need) his route the most.

[branewurms]

[mysticinstantnoodles]

Please give Kellan a route and let me marry him

[mysticinstantnoodles]

Lovestruck please let Kellan be interested in the MC and give him a route

[branewurms]

update: still kiiiiinda wanting kellan to step on me

[annicaax]

Kellan route summaries

Part # 3

Changed the PoV to 1st person. Or should I switch to 3rd or keep saying "MC". If ya guys are reading, please let me know which one you prefer/enjoy.

---

Was it a hasty decision to stay with the ward? I've always made hasty decisions and regretted them afterwards.

Magic is menace, one I can hardly imagine coursing through my veins. I feel like a total idiot, trying to pull a few tricks, but I can still feel my powers. They are there, like Fiona says.

The day passes in a blur.

I couldn't bring a cauldron full of water to boil today, but could heat it up a bit. With time and patience, like Cecelia had said.

I sigh as I trudge along the dirt road walking back to Donna's. All the Ward business and magic practice has got me exhausted, but I still help Donna cook dinner, and after we eat, I apologize.

I still haven't got any gold to pay her. No ward work or magic practice can bring me the gold I need.

Donna tells me she's good and asks me not to worry. So I go to sleep, happy but determined to make myself count.

Another day. Another bust.

It's been a week already. Fiona is a good teacher, and I've gotten a hang of what magic is, but I am frustrated as I cannot pull a single spell. Nathan Cayde whistles sympathetically when he finds me seated by myself, moping inside the apothecary. Apparently, he's here to pay a visit to Fiona before he ventures out to scout the town for the Ward.

I fume inwardly. Sympathy doesn't sit right with me sometimes. I eventually lose it and let out a low growl. Fiona tells me to stay calm and let my magic flow, but I've had enough.

I let out a sigh, apologize to her and leave the apothecary building behind.

Walking the streets as the suns set, I search for a job, eventually finding a carriage driver in need of help. I am to take a cloth package to his waiting the pattern on the gulch, and he would pay me enough gold ducats in return. He's too busy to go himself. I'm too tired to be suspicious, and I can't say no as he's offering half of my payment in advance. The rest of the gold, I am to collect from my patron at my destination.

A petty thief running errands... I feel ashamed but I am compelled it to do it as I need to pay Donna for my lodgings.

I saddle Whisper, collecting him from the hitching post where I had left him earlier, and make my way to the gulch.

Night falls by the time I ride to my destination, the sky twinkling with stars.

And what I expect to be my single solidatory patron turns out to be a bunch of a poachers waiting for some entertainment.

Was I tricked? I push aside the possibility but I am proven wrong when they leer and snicker at me.

They want to play with me? I grin fearlessly, pulling out my pistol, but one of the riders quickly aims for Whisper's legs.

Whisper whinnies and bucks. I am thrown off my horse into the dirt. I roll, making my fall less painful but I part with my gun in the process, and the men around me have a good laugh.

I disregard them, checking Whisper for injuries, but he seems fine. He hasn't run off, either, which is great! Before I can heave a sigh of relief, I hear the words:

"I believe I have warned you against signing up for strange jobs, Miss y/n..."

The voice is familiar, echoing through the gulch before the man himself manifests before me.

Kellan!

I frown because I am not a damsel in distress who needs her knight. But I am still grateful to have him lend me a hand up.

I smile at Kellan, who looks between me and the poachers. He says, "you have a strange affinity to attract trouble wherever you go."

I shrug, stating the truth. "old habits, cap."

Kellan's lips quirk up into a half smile. He looks amused but he is so handsome that I am momentarily distracted, admiring his profile.

The poachers, our current snemies, appear to be annoyed. They hurl a few insults at Kellan who obviously isn't armed except for his cane.

I try to reach for my gun but next to me Kellan appears bored.

He doesn't even lift up his hands before bright, orange balls of fire flying at the riders, showering down upon them to be exact, spooking their horses and throwing them off.

They barely manage to get a hold even as one of the riders curses under his breath, and remarks that they are all having a collective drunken dream.

I watch, picking up my gun from the dirt, only to find myself standing alone with Kellan on the gulch.

The fight is over before it's begun.

I turn to Kellan who looks dashing under the starlight.

"Thanks for the save, but it's not needed captain. I can manage in a gun fight."

"What you need to manage miss, is magic..." Kellan says, and snaps his fingers.

His blunt words ring in my ears just as a dark, raven horse comes whinniying towards him. So he rides a horse!

I nearly smile, but then frown remembering what he said to me, saddling myself on Whisper.

"I don't think ward members should be out doing strange errands, miss y/n."

Kellan says from atop his horse. He sits regally, his face impassive.

I roll my eyes. I feel like I'm being lectured. Whoa, he barely says a word but manages to get under my skin.

I seeth inwardly but summon a fake smile. "Well, I wouldn't if my work with the ward would pay me in gold, captain."

I say sarcastically as we both begin to steer our horses towards the town.

"The ward does allocate. monthly payment.But if it is work and quick payment you need, miss y/n, you could always come assist me in my office after you finish practice with Fiona," Kellan suggests with a smile.

Im thrown off by his sudden words. My mind shows me what it's like to share a common work space with my hot boss, just the two of us, but I push the image away.

Kellan is hot!? Maybe he is, but I am not about the lose my head over him.

I don't say a word and neither does Kellan. We simply ride, enjoying the balmy night breeze.

Soon we arrive at my lodgings.

"Good night, miss... See you tomorrow."

I was so lost in thoughts I forgot Kellan was next to me. So he escorted me to my lodgings. What a gentleman. No, a gentle demon? While I'm stweing in my monologue, Kellan adjusts his grip on his horse's reigns, steering him forward, and they both vanish into the night. I retire to my lodgings with a sigh as there is nothing else I can do.

***

The next day, practicing at Fiona's during the day, I once again fail miserably at magic. I can't summon a leaf, how can I summon a familiar?

I sigh as a Fiona pats my arm. She offers me a smile,

"Let's try something basic."

She brings me an old oil lamp, removing the glass top and exposing the wick.

"Let's try lighting it. I mean, try lighting it!" she encourages me with a grin.

I try and try. All I see is a spark and nothing. Ugh! Am I even a witch? After several tries that end in failure, I hear that annoyingly familiar voice again.

"Maybe Fiona's ways of teaching don't suit your style."

It's Kellan, and the turning around I find him standing with his back against the wall, looking chic in his suit and that furry overcoat, but hey, I thought I was alone with Fiona in here in the apothecary!

"No offence, Eichen. You are splendid as you are..."

Kellan offers Fiona a half smile and she smiles back. "None taken, Cap'n."

I sigh just as the doors burst open bringing in Sascha Nathan and Cecelia.

"Maybe what the little witch needs is a new teacher..." Kellan says, ignoring the newcomers and stepping forward, offering me a crooked smile.

I don't understand what's going on for a moment, but soon it's clear to me, the captain himself is going to teach me magic. And I have always dreamed of having such a hot teacher. Ugh! Shut up, brain!

While I battle my wits, Fiona steps back. Kellan takes her spot next to me.

"Now, miss y/n... try lighting the lamp. Will you?

Kellan stands and puts his hand on the small of my back. His hands are always burning. I involuntarily shiver a little, and turn to look into his rose-coloured eyes and he nods. Oh now my cheeks are the things that are burning. He's so intense, effortlessly charming despite his stoic disposition.

Focus! I look away as he withdraws his hand, channeling my magic, my determination bringing a small flicker of flame atop the wick, and then nothing.

Kellan urges me on with his words, "come on, you can do it!"

He keeps pushing me to accomplish my goal. He is as strict as a demon.

He is a demon! Pushing me and pushing me until two full hours pass, until I manage to light the oil lamp, its flame small but stable.

"Is that all?" Kellan calls out to me in taunting voice, not giving me a chance to feel proud. "That's all have you got?"

"Excuse me!?" I glare at Kellan.

"I thought after all that I'd taught, you could summon a bigger flame, but where is your fire?"

Kellan looks on with a deadpan expression on his face. I feel like punching him. He's sooo strict!

"I managed to light the lamp, cap!" I say through grited teeth.

"So is that all?" He taunts me again as everybody else, including me, eyes him in silence. "Could you not push your emotions to further channel your will and summon something bigger?"

I bristle a little, but I may be disappointed, too. Looks like he is expecting a lot of progress from me, just like I do. While nothing happened in more than a week, what will happen over a day? I sigh, watching Kellan put out the lamp's flame.

I try lighting the lamp again but I am worse this time. Kellan eggs me on with his taunts. Well, his voice is gentle but it does feel like he is riling me up on purpose! I hate this man!

I grow furious after a few attempts, and unconsciously direct it at the wick of the lamp. It glows brighter but Kellan sitll pushes me further. All of a sudden, a burst of magic and frustration leave my hands towards the the lamp.

Kellan jumps, throwing his overcoat at me, hugging me close, and twisting me out of harms way, as the oil lamp explodes. Shards of glass rip Kellan's expensive overcoat, a particular speck of fire catching on and searing the fabric of his shirt on his shoulder, and a loc of his hair.

He quickly brushes it off with a swipe of his hand. I stare at him in awe, at his face from up-close, and blush realizing I am lying on top of him.

One of his hands is resting on my cheek now. It was perhaps an impromptu gesture, and another is on my waist. I nearly feel the hardness of his chest muscles under my hands from where they rest on him. I choose to ignore the feeling and save my decency, picking up myself and apologizing.

"Kellan -- Sir, er, captain... Are you hurt?"

Gee, tongue! Why are you in knots? I turn red but Kellan chuckles. That face, I can already tell it's a rare sight. He is so handsome.

I am ready to overlook my embarrassment if he will show that sweet smile.

"Do you think a little fire can get to me?"

Kellan questions, and I shake my head, remembering he is a demon who can throw flame balls. My current magic practice is a mishap but no one seems to hurt.

"Right..." I say looking at Kellan.

"Right," he repeat my words.

I want to apologize again but surprisingly he beats me to it.

"I apologize," he says, looking away briefly. "I might have pushed you way too far. I was unreasonable. You may have great potential but you're still new to magic."

I shouldn't have pushed you though the times are desperate.

The last phrase is murmured to himself, so I don't know if I heard him right. I shake my head and force myself to speak. He just apologized. I should respond.

"It's... fine, Sir! I... do want to learn to harvest my powers." I say and look away feeling sheepish. All this magical mishaps are sapping my confidence. I hate it!

I get irritated, and before I can stop, I am yelling.

"Now what?!!" I clamp my mouth shut, looking at Nathan, Cecelia and Fiona who offer me simpathetic gazes.

"You did well, y/n. you should take a break," says Fiona.

"Right," says Cecelia. "You were magnificent."

Nathan nods. Smiling slightly, he says, "you're a powerful witch. Maybe Cap pushing you is good for the ward, but all work no play can make you sick."

I smile and thank them, feeling grateful. Then I let out a sigh, faintly murmuring the words, "I still need to work extra to earn some gold ducats."

"You should have a drink with your friends." Kellan says, putting his overcoat back on. He walks right to where I am, taking my hand in his, opening my palm and dropping a few ducats into it.

"I am giving you some in advance. Show up early in my office tomorrow. You're helping with my paperwork."

I gape at Kellan as he walks away. How did he hear my faintly mumblings? Like me, Fiona, Cecelia and Nathan, even Sacha are slack-jawed, too.

They fill me in on their state of surprise as we all take a quick walk to Ada's to grab our drinks.

Apparently, it's a rare for Kellan to take a personal interest in any of the new recruits. (It's usually Cecelia's job or one of the other member's)

As we find a table and sit, I protest and declare Kellan hasn't got any personal interest in me, but Sascha insists that he does.

My irritation flaring up, I hiss-- " there is no way Kellan Malphas can have a personal interest in me. If he does, his interest might come from the fact that I am a witch!"

This time nobody protests or teases me. I shake my head, cooling off a little.

Why was I getting flustered? Ugh!

I smile at the group. They are all good sports. They smile back and shake it off. While we all play a friendly game of poker, I remind myself to keep my temper in check.

As I sit savoring my whiskey in peace, I cannot help but wonder what tomorrow brings to me, or how my one on one working sessions with Kellan will go. They probably will go fine. Kellan isn't as stoic as he displays him to be. Ha guys like this one, I think he might be secretly sweet.

AN: Phew! I know I made this very detailed. So let me know how was it? Do you want me to keep it detailed or just summarize things? Is 1st person narration good with you or third? Thanks for reading. Please do leave a comment/ and/or like/reblog. It would mean a lot.❤️ I hope you all like this part too.❤️❤️

Link to part 2: click here for part 2

Link to part 1 is at the end of part 2. Check them out if you haven't!

[annicaax]

Kellan Route Summaries: How our romance with the demon Cap'n Will Go?

Authors Note: Hey guys. I'm still pretty young but I've been a writer all my life. Fanfiction author too, for a decade. Recently my crazy busy schedule has me on tenterhooks that I have so many WIPs. Which is why I'm keeping my story short and posting only summaries.

I desperately tried to imagine what Kellan route will be like and this is the result. This post is for Kellan fans. I hope ya all will like it. I have faith you will... Keep reading til the end <3

Kellan x FMC

Author: annicaax

# Part one

In Ada's salon, MC finds a man with striking red eyes, thick gray locks falling over his forehead. He looks noble, refined and when their eyes meet from across the room, her heart stirs but not in an unpleasant way. She sips her whiskey wondering if she can truly continue to be a pickpocket again in the west... What's she supposed to do? What about the 'weirdness' that follows her? They labeled her the 'sorceress' in the New Amster. Is that what she is?

She furiously shakes her head ridding her thoughts and turns her eyes to her target again...

Kellan Malphas.

Little does she know he's the captain of the Ward soon she's destined to join hands with, and he's her destined Partner.

MC is offended. Theif though she may be, she's a woman of integrity. She makes Kellan eat his words. Kellan is bound to admit she's bold. Bit of a demonic fireball herself. While he smiles in slight admiration, the rest of the ward watches, amused that someone could talk back let alone yell at their cap'n.

Trying to rob something valuable from Kellan is a mistake. The idea of it to be exact. MC regrets her recklessness when she's caught while she tries to pickpocket Kellan. Looking into his eyes and that half smile, she's entranced again. And the way he speaks to one of his team members who soon arrives... the ward he calls them. He looks like a lawman. Is he a lawman? And lawmen are a taboo. Why did her first job in the Wisp go horribly wrong? MC wants to flee but the man's grip is tight on her hand. He takes her to the 'Ward HQ' where he tells her she's special and she can be of big use. He will provide her employment if she stops being a petty theif.

Cecelia explains what the Ward is. And ends with a comment that whoever set her up to rob Kellan of his precious possession-- an envelope in his pocket must be a demon and a sly one. (Imagine Caius is the demon who did this) MC is reeling from the surpise of it all and she also learns shes a witch! Angry and confused she walks out of the ward, back to Donnas.

But that night she feels restless, as she recalls all the mishaps she's caused so far. Maybe the ward was right... maybe she's a witch. Maybe she should visit them and talk to...Kellan was it? The following day she has another meeting with the Ward. Kellan is a busy man. So he's absent and Cece leads the meeting. MC feels disappointed noting she almost misses Kellan's domineering presence but then kicks herself mentally for even thinking that way. She focuses on Cecelia's words, understanding what the Ward does and what the world of supernatural stands for. Just a little.

Meanwhile the doors open, and Cayde and Fiona enter. While Sascha and Cece try to coax the MC to join the ward, Cayde objects saying they can't trust strangers...and thieves! (Sorry, Nate. I love you but I know this is how you'd react in Kellan's route. Well, my version of Kellan's route)

Cece says Kellan wants the MC on board so there's nothing Cayde can do. While Cayde bites his lip, MC makes a quick decision of joining the ward. She doesn't know what to do. It's not about delivering justice but the idea does please her. A world of supernatural beings, a little world of the "special" ward members, being a part of it might be what she needs. This might be where she belongs.

Cece says it's the smart move as MC's caught the eye of the demon who roped her to use against Kellan. Just then, Kellan returns and is gleeful to see MC has done the paperwork to join the ward. He fills his name too. Adds his seal and officially welcome her aboard. He then excuses himself, goes to discuss something urgent with Cece and Cayde in private, leaving Sascha and Fi with the MC.

While MC stands looking in a daze at the closed door behind which Kellan had disappeared, still feeling the burning heat of his palm on hers when they shook hands; Sascha says he's a demon too and he can pick up on pheromones and stuff like that. He says MCs budding admiration/awe can be dangerous as Kellan is a greater demon with a far greater power. A romance with him would only burn her. He also asks her not to trust demons or any such kind. Not that he thinks she's a silly but.. While Fi asks Sascha to stop his crap. MC throws a glare at the man, but she can't help be intrigued at this new world and at this new man who seems to have the power to steer her life! Yeah she's not interested in him romantically. No way but that doesn't mean he's not hell attractive. Oh well he's a demon... Wait... Sascha said he's a demon! And a powerful one Now she doesn't know what she's gotten herself into!

I'm sorry if this was lame. If I were to turn this into a full Ff, it might ages to complete and the least I could do was share my ideas with my fellow fans.

I will post more soon! Let me know what ya guys think of the above storyline... ;) Feel free to Comment and/ or Like/Reblog

[annicaax]

Kellan comes across as stoic but he's so sweet and I love it when he bonds with his comrades. I think initially he wasn't this open... but it might be our witch girl's defiance, he stood up for Nate and her a LOT times than one can count... until the end, giving the push, aiding their star-crossed romance

Yup my love for this man has only increased. I might as well make my route summaries more detailed. [ Check my blog to find 'em. MC X Kellan stuff]

p.s. Fi was speaking about Nate and MCs engagement but hahaa, shall we imagine it's Kellan and MC😆💗💘 seriously WLL is filled with my favorite men💘 and women💝

[annicaax]

He doesn't show his soft side often but...

he's too sweet when he does... and he's oh so powerful! yeah he is...

A powerful demon whos a sweetheart deep down. I love Kellan. and I love everyone in this series. (which is why I'm writing Kellan route summaries)

WLL cast... gonna miss ya all... don't think there'll ever be another bittersweet, fantasy themed otome set in the west.

While I love lovestruck for giving us a series like WLL, I can't forgive them for treating the series so badly... not giving these wonderful men a route of their own. not to speak of how they treated their writers and fans (even now as the app is literally dead, they didn't unlock the heart choices) Yep ill shut my mouth now cause all this is almost ancient history...

[annicaax]

Kellan Route Summaries

Part # 4

I am only getting the hang of my magic one early morning, but my ward duties compel me to travel with Nathan and Cecelia. We ride across the prairie to a village that's under Vampire rampage.

Vampires, vicious and beastly, have been launching random attacks at night, draining blood from innocents and killing them.

The village is ghastly and desolate, nearly falling apart. Almost dozens of people have died over the past few days prior to the Ward getting to know the news. Many people simply fled the village in broad daylight. While the rest of the populace who have managed to survive are still living under the grip of fear.

Nathan and Cecelia devise a plan to lure out the vampires. So we camp in the village head's house and wait for nightfall. The village head is the one who found out about the vampires' involvement. And he's friendly with Cecelia and our group. He seems to know about the ward business and that Cecelia is a vampire.

I stand in a daze, listening to the attack plan over dinner. For the first time, I realize the dangerous responsibilities that come with the duties of being a ward member.

Our attack plan formulated, We ride out into the village and lay low, waiting for the vampires to show up. I feel a little disappointed that my magic can't aid me in fighting the bad guys, but I quickly brush it off. Ha! I'm good with my pistol!

The night is chilly and it's eerily quiet. But then we hear it, riders invading the village.

They don't stir up too much dust, dismount and scatter to find their targets. Cecelia confirms they are all vampires and there are five of them. Our backup arrives Fiona and Sascha. Cecelia asks everyone to tail one of the vampires.

"Wait!" Just before I can dash off after a gruff-looking female vampire prowling the streets, Cecelia waves me over. "Maybe you should stick with me. You're... a mortal. And your witchy powers haven't exactly ripened."

The old me would have taken offence to hear such words, but the new me is unsure. Cecelia has a point, I'm a mere mortal against the supernaturals.

"You need a partner..." Cecelia tries to convince me again, but I shake my head. "No. We can't let any of the vampires roam free."

Cecelia nods and presses six extra silver bullets into my palm. I save them in my belt pocket and set off, chasing my target.

The plan was to incapacitate the vampires, subdue them and then Cecelia will handle things from there.

I move in the dark alleyway, cautious of my target's movements but my slight loss of concentration causes me to lose track of him.

"Where's she?"

I look around but freeze when I hear a hiss from behind my back. I'm frozen with fear for a moment but then turn around, my gun already blazing at the vampire's body.

She's agile. She dodges my attacks. We move to duck and jump, our movements akin to dancing. I fire again and again but miss hitting her. Ugh!

The hissing again gets closer. Oh no she's using her stealth power to sneak up behind me. I leap up avoiding her claws which were about to dig into my shoulder.

I'm sweaty and breathless. "Maybe I should have listened to Cecelia... I do need backup..."

I grit my teeth in frustration but hold my ground.

"Indeed you need a backup..."

That voice. It's Kellan! How does he materialize every single time?

"Cecelia asked me to be your backup. Ah, I was nearby and she pushed through her telepathy powers to talk to me..." Kellan says, urging me to move. "Come on, let's win this fight..."

The rest of the fight is a breeze. I'm in awe of Kellan's firepower. As I wallow inwardly in self-pity, he notices and pats me on the head.

Strange. I can feel the heat of his fingers even through my hat.

"I appreciate your approval of my skills, little witch. But don't forget you're powerful. With a little practice, you can have the world dancing to the tune of your fingertips. Oh, but you're someone who'd use your power for the greater good, right?"

Damn that heat, those words are warming up my heart.

I nod. "Yes. Yes, Captain. You know I don't hurt people. Not the righteous people, no."

Kellan chuckles and nods, moving away from me to bind the subdued vampire with a rope.

"Keep practising, you'll reach there. Meanwhile, I should have a talk with Miss Visconti about exposing you to danger."

His words lit a fire in my heart. I keep my mouth shut but I'm determined to make myself useful.

***

A week passes after that. I work harder than ever. Kellan often comes to check on me. I enjoy our banters and I kind of love how he looks after each of the ward members.

My admiration for the man is growing. He's a good guy.

My magic begins to come to me steadily. Cecelia and the team are fighting zombies in a nearby town’s graveyard. I rush to their aid without consulting the captain as he’s elsewhere. We fight as a team and win.

But in a dramatic turn of events, some stuck-up diplomats from the New Amster show up and take all the credit before townsfolk, saying if the Ward is putting in good work, it’s all thanks to their directives and training. Half the townsfolk believe it while half doesn't, but still, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

“This is unfair!” I complain, joining the ward members, my friends from the Wisp Willow, as we all slowly pile out of the graveyard.

Sascha gives my shoulder an affectionate squeeze. Fiona pouts and sulks but not loudly. Cecelia appears calm but Nathan swears under his breath how the city-bred, stuck-up diplomats are always meddling and troubling. Unable to bear it any longer, Cecelia assures us that she and Kellan will stabilize things. And it’s not very often that New Amster butts into the affairs of a quaint town like the Wisp.

I mutter a few curses under my breath myself, but cheer up as everyone begins cracking jokes. While Cecelia leaves us, heading to the Ward office; I, Sascha, Nathan, and Fi, make our way to the saloon to blow some steam.

***

I’m pleasantly calm when I return to the Ward Office later that night. Calm but not buzzed. I arrive alone (the others have gone to tie some loose ends, but I suspect some of them are still partying), and a little late, feeling guilty because I know I should have been early to assist Kellan with his paperwork.

When I step into the office, I’m greeted by Kellan’s powerful presence. That quite calm of his is domineering in its own way. I clear my throat and explain why I’m late.

Kellan smiles, brushing it off. With a little troubled smile, he says, “I’ve only arrived from the Infernus just now… Do you still have the stamina to work? I heard the fight had been intense.”

Kellan is such a considerate boss. I appreciate his kindness, showing a bright smile. I shrug, “I’m a little tired, but that’s not what nags me… those New Amster foxes! No, rattlesnakes, slithering their way, trying to impress the townsfolk… what are they trying to pull here?”

Kellan looks away, looking troubled again. I grit my teeth and remark how unfair it is.

“It’s fair and it’s not…” says Kellan. "...but that shouldn't stop us from doing what we must, and we won't…"

He smiles a little as he pulls out some very special documents that needed to be filled with precision. “These aren’t your regular documents and, yeah, it might be a little ridiculous, but you need some impressive cursive.”

I look at the inkpot and feather pen. My handwriting was never artistic. As I begin to doubt my skills clutching the feather pen, Kellan comes to stand behind me and guides me on how to keep my hand steady, saying that I can pull it off if I concentrate. He’s radiating heat is a little too much from such proximity, and thanks to his burning hand that envelopes mine, his warmth blankets me and brings me a sense of comfort.

We complete filling the document like that in about a couple of minutes that feel like an eternity.

At the same time, I’m extremely distracted. He smells damn good. Thump-thump… is that my heart?

“You're a quick learner.” Kellan steps away from me, but not before patting my back. “I appreciate the help.”

I nervously joke, “Cap, you have to pay me some real gold too, not just compliments.”

Hearing this Kellan laughs. I relax and murmur to myself how nice it is to become his assistant. He’s considerate and caring. He doesn't judge either. I’ve never felt better working under someone before. And I feel like, in recent days, I’ve gotten closer to Kellan. Yeah, I still can’t decipher him. He’s still that enigma.

I work on the rest of the documents as taught. Kellan returns to attend his own. The silence is amicable but something that I’m not used to. I have to run my mouth.

“So… you keep dealing with such things in Willow Wisp, huh? The townsfolk don't exactly know what kind of law you’re enforcing but they trust you wholly to keep them safe. This is still a hard life with how much evil lurks in this otherwise quiet town…”

What am I saying? It doesn't make sense even to me, yeah, some of it does, but….

Kellan says, “these things exist in the world too. Evil exists. It's often close, and very often it chases good people.”

The amount of agony in his expression shocks me. Before I can say something, the fire in the fireplace burns brightly, the flames taking the shape of a bird — a phoenix.

The bird carries an envelope in its beak which it juts out towards Kellan. He wordlessly reaches for it while I gawk, scanning the contents of the letter almost immediately.

“Ah, an Invite to the Infernal gala…” he mutters, looking away with a sigh, but still tucks the envelope into the pocket of his waistcoat.

Just then, Cecelia waltzes in with Nathan in tow. Kellan immediately makes way to the duo, ignoring Nathan, and focusing on the vampire ranger.

“Please! Visconti, I need your help!”

I’ve never seen Kellan so desperate, but boy, he sounds desperate as he pleads with Cecelia to partner with him as he attends the gala.

Cecelia wears a troubled expression. “Wisp is turning volatile. We can’t leave this town unmonitored, Captain. Someone has to stay here. Besides I’m busy dealing with a few of the incidents from surrounding towns…”

“I know…” Kellan sighs, running a hand through his locs.

Cecelia just then makes a dramatic suggestion. “Why don’t you take our little witch? (Y/N) is a great choice! She can be your partner!”

Kellan shakes his head and looks even more desperate.

“She’s a WITCH!” he says, looking at me. “She’s only a mortal… Her magical powers are improving, sure, but Infernus can't be a safe place for her—”

I seethe at the caring tone of his. “I don't need mothering. I don't need protecting!” I scream at him before I can stop, “you clearly need a partner, Captain. If Cecelia can't come then I’m the only choice…”

My pride swells but deflates realizing Kellan can have Fiona… In fact, he can have any girl, and that fact doesn't sit right with me. Why am I feeling like this? What am I trying to accomplish by going to these lengths, and partnering with him?

“I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention, but my words must have come off wrong. I never considered you weak. You're a strong woman who can fight her way through anything. Just yesterday you were thrust into this beguiling world of the supernaturals and you’re fighting not running away… I appreciate everything you are and your efforts towards the Ward.”

Kellan apologizes, touching my shoulder, and I melt into a puddle. He recognizes me, but he only worries for me. That’s a sweet sentiment, one that I’m not used to. And his words of praise, recalling them makes me blush.

I stammer, trying to reply, but I can’t manage and scowl at myself.

Kellan squeezes my shoulder again as Nathan and Cece witness our exchange mutely.

“Infernus is a dangerous place. Even if you’re the strongest, that place can burn you. Well, I still trust you to take care of yourself… and I’ll be there for you as much as I can. So… are you willing to come knowing the risks?”

I look at Kellan. Without an ounce of hesitation, I give my yes.

***

That week I train harder and harder. Fiona helps me practise my magic, and with her help, I summon my familiar Enzo — he’s a cute little ball of fur, but he's also a demon, and he’s so loyal and loving. Infernal Gala is a day away, but I know that I’m strong, that I am safe. I have myself — and I have Kellan and Enzo.

***

To be continued!

I apologize for the delay in posting this part. But life happens and life sucks. Ah, I’ve finally managed it. Hopefully, the next part will be out soon!

The infernal gala should be fun! Apologies for typos if any. I will check again.

If you like my work please like/reblog. And comment too, if you wish to. Thank you for reading! Lots of love!! I will finish Kellan route summaries and then move to Rolland.