Trick or Trap

After the Shadowbane was purged from Aiden's weakening body, Leonel approached Agatha. He had learned from Liam about the letter, which explained why they had hastened their mission to find the cure, resulting in Liam returning home covered in blood.

Agatha didn't inquire about how they had obtained the cure or why their bodies were bloodied.

Leonel then broached the topic of their plan with Agatha. Initially, she didn't understand. Aiden was recovering from the poison. Although still weak, his life was no longer in immediate danger. He simply needed rest and nourishment to recover fully, so Agatha didn't comprehend what Leonel was getting at.

At first, Leonel was hesitant to share his plan with Agatha, knowing Liam wouldn't agree. However, once he explained his reasons, Agatha was convinced to lend her support.

Nysander's time was running out, with only a month left due to the poison's effects. He was growing increasingly desperate. An upcoming gathering in three weeks would not be helpful. In fact, it would pose a significant threat to Fortunalia and its citizens. According to Leonel, one of Nysander's companions would attend the meeting in Primotheus Capital, and their encounter could lead to a catastrophe for the entire region. Leonel was determined to prevent this at all costs.

In essence, they needed to eliminate Nysander before the gathering took place. They had three weeks to prepare and locate him. However, given his association with the Witch, the task proved to be quite challenging.

The letter Agatha had received was an open invitation designed to lure either the Witch or Nysander. When Liam and Leonel arrived with the cure, there were only two days left before Agatha was scheduled to go to Waken Burrow, so they expedited their plan. However, Liam's reluctance to implement Leonel's plan posed a significant challenge.

Even Agatha couldn't fathom why Liam was hesitant, as the plan would greatly increase their chances of success.

Although they weren't obliged to, they assisted Agatha with Aiden, and she felt a strong desire to repay them and not be indebted.

Agatha's role was simple: she had to show up and hand the box to the Witch. The box, crafted by another Witch under Leonel's guidance, contained a hidden teleportation spell. Once opened, it would transport the Witch to another location.

However, Agatha needed to put up a convincing fight to avoid raising suspicion from the Witch. Meanwhile, Leonel, Liam, and their companions focused on dealing with the Ghouls hidden around Waken Burrow.

"Damn it, we shouldn't have done this!" Liam was still upset, likely because they hadn't anticipated the Witch sealing the chamber with a magical barrier.

According to the plan, they were supposed to assist Agatha in fighting the Witch if she was injured. Leonel had explained that they would be responsible for capturing and engaging with the Witch, with the box serving as a backup plan if Agatha was in imminent danger.

However, things didn't go as expected. Both Liam and Leonel were unable to breach the barrier, leaving Agatha trapped inside with the Witch. They had failed to assist her directly, but miraculously, the plan still succeeded, and the Witch was finally captured.

"What happened after?" Agatha cleared her throat before taking another sip of water.

LLiam sighed before helping her take a drink. He also straightened the bedsheets before sitting beside Agatha on the bed.

"Once the Witch was transported," Liam began, idly playing with Agatha's fingers. Agatha felt conflicted about whether to pull away or let him continue. She wasn't accustomed to physical touch from others, but with Liam, she didn't feel as uncomfortable. It puzzled her, and she couldn't explain why. It was unsettling.

"The spell she had placed around the room lost its effectiveness," Liam continued. "That's how we managed to save you."

A heavy silence fell after his words. Liam stopped playing with Agatha's fingers and instead held her hand firmly, as if afraid she would vanish if he let go.

"You…" Liam whispered, locking eyes with Agatha. "You were hurt." His tone was filled with contempt and anger.

"You were hurt," he repeated, his eyes reflecting his anger.

Confused, Agatha looked at him, but Liam suddenly looked away.

"You were bleeding," he added, almost as an afterthought.

The room seemed to grow hotter suddenly. Agatha scanned the surroundings for any signs of a fire, but there was only darkness.

"Why is it so hot here?" Agatha asked, feeling the temperature rise.

Liam stood up abruptly and moved away slightly. Agatha couldn't help but notice his impressive stature. Liam avoided her gaze, lost in thought.

After a few moments, Liam sighed deeply, as if trying to compose himself. Shortly after, the temperature returned to normal. Agatha had a sudden realization.

"Did you do that?" she asked, wide-eyed. She wasn't sure if it was possible. Who was Liam really? Agatha had seen him control water, but now she wasn't certain anymore.

Agatha waited for a response, but Liam avoided looking at her. He seemed frustrated, his hair disheveled. He was clearly upset that Agatha had gone along with Leonel's plan despite his objections.

Leonel had warned that the plan could put Agatha in danger, but she had taken the risk. She was determined to capture Nysander, no matter what.

Agatha wanted Nysander dead so she and Aiden could live in peace. She didn't want to spend her life constantly hiding and fearing Nysander's grasp.

It was a difficult decision for Agatha. She wasn't one to trust easily, fearing it could all be a trap. She worried that Liam and Leonel wouldn't come to her aid, and that Aiden would be left vulnerable since he hadn't fully recovered.

"How long was I unconscious?" Agatha tried to sit up, but Liam gently stopped her.

"Rest. You need it. You were out for the entire day. Your wounds have healed, but you suffered internal injuries from the Witch's magic," Liam said with concern. "Like Aiden, you need to rest for a quick recovery."

Agatha nodded firmly, understanding the importance of resting to heal internal wounds, especially after being unconscious for so long without food.

"Where's Aiden?" she asked, her eyes showing intense worry.

She wanted to check on him. Since he had taken the cure, Aiden had woken up within two days. Agatha wasn't sure if that was normal, but a Ravager that Liam had paid for information and check-ups on Aiden's condition had assured them that he was doing well. He just needed rest and nourishment to fully recover.

"He woke up a while ago and was asking for you," Liam replied. "He's eaten plenty and said his bones aren't hurting anymore. He was worried and stayed by your side the whole time. I had to convince him to rest. But I'll be here with you throughout the night."

Agatha smiled gratefully at Liam's words, relieved that Aiden was recovering after their ordeal.

A weight lifted from Agatha's heart. Initially, she had been terrified that trusting them, especially Liam, might have been a mistake. She feared failure, arriving too late, or not finding the cure in time to save Aiden. Trust and hope were unfamiliar to her, but now they had become her reality.

"Do you want to see him now?" Liam asked softly.

Agatha nodded eagerly, wanting nothing more than to see Aiden and ensure he was truly on the mend.

"Let me help you," Liam offered, sensing her difficulty moving.

Agatha accepted his assistance, though the closeness made her uncomfortable. She gritted her teeth through the tingling sensation of his touch, focusing on her desire to see Aiden.

As they walked, Agatha tried to break the silence. "What happened to the Witch?" she asked.

Liam remained silent until they reached Aiden's room, then he spoke with finality, "Dead."

Agatha halted, surprised by the blunt statement.

"Don't worry," Liam reassured. "We gathered the information we needed from her before she died."

Agatha glanced at Liam, unable to read his expression. He seemed indifferent, almost ruthless, about the Witch's fate.

Agatha felt conflicted about the Witch's death. While she harbored hatred towards her for poisoning Aiden and causing harm, she wasn't sure if celebrating her demise was the right thing to do. Death, no matter the sins, felt like a harsh punishment.

"You killed her?" Agatha asked, her voice uncertain, as if questioning the morality of the act. However, she quickly realized the futility of such a question. The Witch's death was irreversible, and no magic could bring her back.

Liam, with his gaze lowered, simply responded, "She hurt you."

Agatha bit her lip, sensing the weight behind Liam's words. His intense gaze made her feel small and vulnerable, yet there was also a sense of protection in his demeanor.

The door opened fully, breaking the moment, and Agatha moved ahead to focus on Aiden. Liam followed quietly, guiding her to Aiden's bedside.

Aiden lay there, peacefully asleep, clutching a soft pillow. His breathing was steady, and his features showed signs of returning health. Agatha couldn't help but smile at the sight of his fair complexion slowly returning.

"He looks much better," Agatha whispered, her voice tinged with relief. She reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from Aiden's forehead, her touch tender and loving. Aiden appeared healthier despite having consumed the cure just three days ago.

Agatha straightened Aiden's blanket and then ran her fingers through his silky hair, smoothing it out.

For a long while, Agatha remained by Aiden's sleeping form, losing track of time. She was overjoyed to see her beloved in a safe and healthy state once again.

Agatha felt that everything she had gone through was worth it when she saw Aiden's improved condition. He was back in her arms, and she owed this to Liam and Leonel.

As daybreak approached, Agatha decided to leave Aiden alone as she was feeling sleepy and her body was aching again.

When she exited the room, she was surprised to find Liam carrying a tray of food heading towards her room.

Liam immediately wrapped his arm around Agatha and guided her back to her room, balancing the tray in his other hand.

"I can manage," Agatha protested, attempting to pull away, but Liam's grip only tightened.

After a few attempts to free herself, Agatha sighed and allowed Liam to take charge.

Initially, Agatha thought they would eat at the table since Liam had brought food. However, she was taken aback when Liam led them to the bedroom.

Liam instructed her to sit, and she complied silently. He then spooned some soup and urged her to open her mouth, raising an eyebrow with a grin.

Agatha hesitated, looking up at Liam. "Let me…" she began, trying to take the spoon, but he playfully moved it away and smirked.

"You need to rest, Aggie," Liam insisted softly. "You might get sick if you don't."

"The spoon isn't that heavy, Liam," Agatha argued with mild irritation.

"Just let me, okay?" Liam's tone was gentle. "You're still not well..."

Agatha clenched her teeth. "I can eat alone. I can do it myself. It's not that…" Her words were cut off when Liam placed a spoonful near her lips.

She quickly bit and swallowed before speaking again, but Liam fed her another mouthful. She fell silent.

Agatha stopped protesting and simply crossed her arms, resigning herself to the situation. She couldn't even look at Liam as she ate.

As the food dwindled, Agatha suddenly remembered something. "Do… do you know the Witch?" she asked, recalling the conversation she heard where the Witch seemed familiar with Liam.

Liam shook his head firmly and kept his lips shut. "No, Aggie," he replied, his tone indicating he might be telling the truth. However, Agatha couldn't ignore the Witch's insinuations.

Agatha couldn't help but wonder why Liam was denying any connection with the Witch. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Are you absolutely sure?" she pressed on. "Were you involved with her before?"

Liam's eyes narrowed with confusion. "No, Aggie," he said firmly. "I haven't had any time for such things."

Agatha raised an eyebrow, thinking, *Liar.* Liam didn't just have a handsome face. He resembled a prince with his muscular physique and grace. He might not be dressed in lavish attire, but his presence exuded elegance and authority. Surely, someone like him would attract the attention of many ladies in Primotheus Capital. It seemed improbable that he had no romantic entanglements.

"I don't have any relationships, Aggie," Liam repeated, trying to convince her.

Agatha nodded, deciding not to prolong the conversation. Regardless of what he said, she felt like she already knew the truth, especially after what the Witch had insinuated.

"I don't know her," Liam added. "This is my first time seeing her."

Agatha nodded silently.

Liam scowled at her. "I swear, I really don't know her…" he sounded frustrated.

Agatha sighed. "I won't say anything…"

"But your expression says otherwise," Liam pointed out.

Agatha blinked in response.

"I'm single…" Liam stated firmly, his gaze shifting away. "I'm not in a relationship, okay?" He clenched his jaw, clearly frustrated.

Agatha cleared her throat. "Alright, Liam…"

"I'm telling you…"

"Fine, Liam…" Agatha stared at his frustrated expression, wondering what was bothering him.

Liam took a deep breath and sighed heavily.

Once Agatha finished eating, Liam set aside the plate. She was preparing to lie down and sleep when Liam unexpectedly lay beside her. Startled, she sat up abruptly and accidentally slid off the bed, landing on the floor with a thud.

Agatha closed her eyes briefly, trying to regain her composure. "What are you doing?"

Liam just smirked and reached out a hand to help her up. Agatha stood on her own, attempting to retrieve her blanket, but Liam quickly pulled her towards him on the bed.

Agatha's hair seemed to stand on end as Liam wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. She let out a soft whimper.

Attempting to push herself away, Agatha insisted, "I'm going to sleep, Liam…"

"Hmm," he mumbled, his eyes still closed, refusing to move.

Growing more irritated, Agatha demanded, "Go back to your own room, Liam!"

Despite her efforts to push him away, Liam didn't budge but instead pulled her closer.

"I'm tired, Aggie. Let's sleep," Liam whispered softly. "Morning is approaching…"

Wide-eyed, Agatha could only stare at Liam's serene face, his eyes shut.

What was going on? Was this some kind of trick? Was it a trap?