******HENRY's POV*****
I strolled through the Devil's Palace, my eyes wide with wonder. It was even more magnificent than I had heard. The sprawling gardens, the shimmering fountains, the towering spires… it was a feast for the senses. I felt like a kid in a candy store, eager to explore every nook and cranny.
As I wandered, I noticed a cluster of butterflies flitting about a nearby tree. I couldn't resist the urge to play with them, using my magic to make them dance and flutter around me. Their iridescent wings glimmered in the sunlight, and I laughed with delight.
Just as I was getting into the game, I sensed a presence behind me. I turned to see Kyla standing there, a radiant smile spreading across her face. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, and I felt my magic falter for a moment.
Dawn it, I love her smile, I muttered to myself, my heart racing with excitement. There was something about Kyla's smile that made me feel like I was walking on sunshine. It was like the whole world had brightened up just because she was smiling at me.
I felt a little shy, but I couldn't help grinning back at her. “Hey, Kyla,” I said, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in my stomach. “What brings you out here?”
Kyla's smile faltered for a moment, and I sensed a hint of sadness behind her eyes. But then she brightened up again, and I was treated to another dazzling smile. “Just needed some fresh air,” she said, her voice light and airy. “And I saw you playing with the butterflies. You're so carefree, Henry. It's infectious.”
I chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “Thanks, Kyla. I try to enjoy the simple things in life.” I paused, my eyes locking onto hers. "But I have to say, I'm glad you're here. You make everything feel more… magical.” I said smiling at her but she felt awkward.
Kyla's eyes searched mine, her brow furrowed with concern. “Henry, may I ask you a question?” she asked, her voice laced with worry.
I nodded, my heart skipping a beat. “Yes, Kyla, anytime,” I replied, my voice encouraging.
Kyla took a deep breath before speaking. “Are you sure it was Gibson that tried to kill you? Not saying you lied, but… Gibson will never do such a thing to you,” she said, her words dripping with conviction.
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Her words hurt me like never before, the fact that she so readily supported Gibson, the man who had tried to kill me. I couldn't believe she would doubt me like this.
“What do you mean?” I asked, setting out to keep my tone neutral, but my voice shook with emotion.
Kyla's eyes locked onto mine, her expression pleading. “I just can't imagine Gibson doing something like that, Henry. He's incapable of it. There must be some mistake.”
I felt a surge of anger, but I pushed it down, endeavoring to remain calm. “Kyla, I'm telling you, it was Gibson,” I said, my voice firm. “I saw him, I felt his blade at my throat. He attempted to kill me, and I don't understand why you're having such a hard time believing me.”
Kyla's face fell, and she looked away, her eyes welling up with tears. “I'm sorry, Henry,” she whispered. “I just… I don't know what to believe.”
I sighed, feeling a pang of sadness. Likewise, I knew Kyla was torn, caught between her loyalty to Gibson and her trust in me. But I couldn't help feeling hurt, feeling like she was doubting me, doubting my word.
“Kyla, look at me,” I said, my voice soft. “I'm telling you the truth. Gibson tried to kill me, and I don't know why. But I need you to believe me, to trust me.”
Kyla's eyes met mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other, the tension between us palpable. Then, slowly, she nodded, her eyes filling with tears.
“I believe you, Henry,” she whispered. “I'm so sorry I doubted you.”
I smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. “It's okay, Kyla,” I said, my voice soft. “I know you're torn. But I need you to know that I'm telling the truth. And I need you to trust me.”
At that moment, I wished I could let her know how much I loved her and would never hurt her. But, of course, I couldn't. I'm a man, after all. We're not exactly known for our emotional expression.
Kyla turned to leave, and I felt a pang of regret. Why couldn't I just tell her how I feel? Why did I have to be so stupid?
“Kyla,” I called out, trying to sound casual.
She turned around, looking at me with a raised brow. “Yes?”
I opened my mouth to speak, but what came out was not what I had intended. “I love you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Kyla's expression changed from curious to shocked. “Henry?” she said, her voice laced with confusion.
I realized, to my horror, that I had said those three words out loud. I had thought I only said them in my mind, but apparently, my brain had other plans.
“Never mind, Kyla,” I said quickly, trying to play it cool. “I just… uh… meant that I love… uh… your shoes.”
Kyla looked at me like I had lost my mind. “My shoes?” she repeated.
I nodded vigorously. “Yes, your shoes. They're… uh… very… shiny.”
As Kyla walked away, I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. I had just made a total fool of myself, and she had laughed at me. But, as I watched her go, I couldn't help but smile. She had a way of making me feel alive, even when I was being a total idiot.
Just as I was about to turn away, I caught sight of Gibson watching from the window. His face was twisted in a scowl, and his eyes were blazing with anger. I felt a surge of satisfaction at seeing him so upset.
I loved that. Truly, I did. There was something about knowing that I had gotten under Gibson's skin that made me feel like I was on top of the world.
I grinned to myself, feeling a little mischievous. I knew that I had just stirred up a hornet's nest, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
As I turned to walk away, I caught sight of Gibson's face again. He was still watching me, his eyes narrowed in anger. I winked at him, just to rub it in.
Gibson's face turned red with rage, and I could almost see the steam coming out of his ears. I chuckled to myself, feeling a little pleased with myself.
This was going to be fun.