Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 897: Love, Please

On the way home, Orion carried Aveline the entire time. The family had made it clear- her feet were not allowed to touch the ground until they were fully healed.

As soon as they returned, relatives took turns visiting to check on her, and Joyce was the first to call through a video chat.

When Aveline opened the call, a worried face filled the screen.

"Are your feet okay? How could they be so awful, putting thumbtacks there?!" Joyce exclaimed, her voice tense. "I've already bought a ticket. I'll be there first thing tomorrow morning! Hmph, anyone who dares to bully my sister must have a death wish."

Joyce rolled up her sleeves, revealing a delicate yet determined hand in the frame. "Joyce, seatbelt," came a calm voice from off-screen.

"Got it, Ashy," Joyce replied obediently.

"I told you to call me Uncle Asher!" Asher's exasperated face appeared briefly, as Joyce stuck out her tongue mischievously.

Aveline sighed, her expression helpless. "Joyce, it's just a small scratch. I'm really fine. Flying all the way from New York is completely unnecessary!"

Joyce's grin revealed her dimples, sweet and carefree. "Well, it's been months since we last saw each other. I miss you! Ashy's bringing me back."

Seeing her sister's smile, Aveline's heart softened. The world seemed a little brighter. It was true-she hadn't seen Joyce in a long time.

"Alright, just be careful on the way. And please, don't give Uncle Asher too much trouble, you little rascal," Aveline teased.

"I'm not causing trouble! Ask Ashy if you don't believe me."

"Call me Uncle Asher," he muttered, ruffling Joyce's hair with a resigned hand.

"Are you heading to the airport?"

"Yes, we're almost there. Aveline, as soon as you open your eyes tomorrow, you'll see me! Excited? Thrilled? Ugh, I should've just surprised you instead of telling you."

"Alright, alright. Be careful on your way here. I'll hang up now before you distract Uncle Abrtern formulring. Der laver your sen!!"

"Bye, Aveline!" Joyce smiled and ended the call.

Joyce?" Orion asked, his voice quieter than usual,

come see me. Honestly, I kind of miss that silly girl too." Aveline's face lit up as she

you can rest," Orion said, gently patting her head before

playful. "Aren't you forgetting something?" He

to her lips. It had become their little ritual-Orion always kissed her before

time, in her family's house, it felt different. Orion's breath hitched as he gazed at her

arms around him, savoring the moment. When Orion kissed her, it was as if the whole world turned into a swirl

worried Julian or Aurora might walk

as immersed in the

I made you chicken soup," Aurora's voice called from outside

the spell. The two sprang apart

and called out, "Thanks, Mom! I'll come out after Orion finishes explaining this problem to me.

Aurora replied,

in relief, then playfully tapped Aveline's nose. "What problem am

"It's a tough one. Might take a lifetime

we'll spend a lifetime solving it," Orion whispered. "I really should go now. If I stay longer,

said softly, watching him with a

door, turning back. "Aveline, don't forget to think about

about you," she

on her

room.

the living room, Julian and

come here," Julian

take full responsibility. I failed to protect Aveline.

exchanged a glance, their

how much you care about her.

to worry," Orion admitted. "You know how stubborn she can be." Julian sighed. "We won't dwell on the past. What's done is done.

Cherrywood, and it's hard for Aveline to make genuine friends there. We've also arranged for you to transfer back. This world is where you both

"Will Aveline agree?"

never liked Cherrywood anyway. Just promise us this-no more incidents

her with