Chapter 223 Lon Gave Her a Gift
Amelia's brows lifted slightly. "Demon Hunter?"
Her reaction didn't surprise Lon. In the mind of most ordinary people, such creatures simply didn't exist. Surprise and disbelief were natural reactions.
"Yes," Lon said with a calm nod. His voice was steady, matter-of-fact. "My family's mission, passed down for generations, is to hunt beings that are not human. And yes... they are real."
He didn't soften the words. "Some of these entities—souls of immense power—can possess human bodies. They look no different from anyone else, but they use the strength of the soul to commit acts of malice, harming the innocent."
"The purpose of a Demon Hunter is to eliminate them, to keep the human world safe."
Amelia knew about such beings. She knew Lon was one of those who hunted them. She simply hadn't expected him to lay it all out now.
"I'm leaving River City tonight because my senior informed me that Border Ridge City has more than one powerful entity roaming free," Lon continued. "Some of them can drain a person's life force without a sound. The victim might not even realize what is happening—only that their body grows weaker, illnesses creep in, and death comes quietly."
"If they take human form and hide among us, the danger is far greater."
His gaze sharpened. "Border Ridge City has them. River City does too."
"Some are too weak for my instruments to detect. Others are skilled at hiding, keeping their presence masked from a Demon Hunter's pursuit."
His tone softened slightly. "You were injured in my class today. I feel responsible."
"That's why, before I leave, I want to give you something... as an apology."
He reached into his pocket and drew out a small object, resting it in his palm.
Amelia looked down. A bracelet, strung from deep red garnet beads, with a small silver charm hanging at its center.
The garnet was smooth and warm to the touch even from a distance. The charm was delicate, engraved with ancient protective runes she recognized instantly—symbols believed to ward off evil.
"This bracelet is—" she began, eyes flicking up to him.
"Garnet is just a stone," Lon said, offering it forward. "But this charm is called the Guardian Sigil."
Amelia took it, her fingers brushing the charm. It was hollow. No matter how she moved it, it made no sound.
"The Guardian Sigil is one of my family's heirlooms," Lon explained. "It usually remains silent. But if a supernatural entity comes near you or tries to harm you, it will activate. You'll hear it ring clearly."
Amelia's surprise showed in her eyes. "Then why doesn't it ring when you're near me?"
Lon's gaze didn't waver. "To those creatures, you're one of the rare humans with exceptionally high life energy. Intelligence, talent, ability—you're at the top of the scale."
"I'm giving you this because it's blessed to repel evil. And the detection enchantment will warn you at the right moment. If it rings... contact me immediately. I'll come protect you."
He handed her a card—pure white, printed only with his name and a single phone number.
"Mr. Ramos, this is too valuable. I can't accept it."
She tried to return the bracelet, but he pushed it back toward her, his eyes unwavering. "Please keep it. Even if you never need it, it's worth having."
"I know you're not short on money. So I'm giving you something money can't buy... something that will let me leave with peace of mind."
He paused, then said quietly, "I've apologized and given you the gift. Now I should go."
Lon's eyes held hers, focused and certain. "Amelia... until we meet again."
He had arrived suddenly, and now he left just as decisively.
Amelia watched his figure disappear before lowering her gaze to the bracelet in her hand.
In another life, Lon had hunted her to the point she had faked her own death. She had never imagined she would one day speak to him calmly, even receive a relic from his family.
The quiet duel between them today—only they knew the truth. And she had won.
She turned the bracelet over in her palm. It might actually prove useful.
Pearl's name crossed her mind. If he ever tried to set a trap for her again, wearing this could give her an early warning.
She didn't want Michael to see her accepting a gift from another man, so she slipped the bracelet into her pocket, planning to wear it later.
She wheeled herself toward the cars. The moment she appeared, Michael stepped out to meet her.
In the other vehicle, Tobias leaned toward the window, ready to jump out, but Kevin caught his arm. "Wait."
"What? I'm going to carry Amelia to the car," Tobias said, impatient.
"There are too many of us in this one. Let her ride with Michael," Kevin replied.
"But—"
Tobias glanced around. The driver was Kevin's, Chris sat in the front, the backseat held his mother, Kevin, and Zander. He was the youngest, so if anyone had to get out, it would be him.
Reluctantly, he sat back down.
Kevin ruffled his hair. "It's fine. She'll get home either way."
"She's hurt today. Michael's worried, but with all of us around, he hasn't been able to get close, barely said a word to her."
"They're in a relationship now. We should give them some time alone."
On the other side, Michael asked, "Finished talking?"
"Yeah. All done," Amelia said with a nod.
"Then let's go home." He bent down, ready to lift her.
She explained before he could ask, "He came to apologize because I was hurt in his class. He feels guilty. We talked for a while, but it was just small talk."
Michael's movement slowed. His voice dropped. "Sorry... baby. I just thought the way he looked at you wasn't how a teacher looks at a student. I guess I was being cautious. Did that make you feel pressured?"
"No," Amelia said, meeting his eyes. "You love me. You care about me. Being wary or jealous of a man getting close to me... that's natural. I think it's kind of cute."
Michael's tension eased. He lifted her into his arms, settling her gently into the car seat, then pressed a kiss into her hair.
"There's dirt in my hair," she reminded him. "I rolled twice when I fell. Haven't washed it yet."
"Doesn't matter," he murmured, voice low. "If I want to kiss you and I can... I'm happy."
From the driver’s seat, Eric almost sighed. The CEO of the Johnson Group—worth billions—was completely content just kissing hair with dirt in it.
He quickly looked away, not wanting his boss to catch the thought.
Kevin's car and Michael's pulled out together, heading for the Martinez mansion for dinner.
Amelia didn't know it yet... but someone she hadn't expected was already waiting for her there.