Villain? Nah. I'm just here for the harem.-Chapter 23: Take Me in Your Arms

Take Me in Your Arms

"Take me in your arms," she whispered.

Her voice was barely audible, trembling with exhaustion.

Her fingers clutched my sleeve as if afraid I'd disappear.

I felt her body grow heavier in my embrace.

"I... fell asleep," she murmured weakly. "Ah... it's been so long since I last slept..."

Her breathing slowed, her small frame sinking into my warmth.

"And if you see my tears... pretend that you didn't."

Her voice faded into a whisper.

"Take me in your arms... and heal my wounds... and if I cry..."

Her grip loosened.

She was asleep.

A peaceful silence settled in the cave.

For the first time since I met her, she looked... at peace.

Not a villain.

Not a murderer.

Just... a girl.

I tightened my arms around her, feeling the rise and fall of her slow breaths.

She was warm.

And for the first time in this world, I found myself protecting someone instead of surviving.

Because she needed it.

Because I understood her.

Because we were the same.

But peace never lasts.

Clank.

The sound of heavy armor echoed outside the cave.

My eyes snapped open.

Iris stirred in my arms.

I sensed it before I saw it—multiple presences, powerful ones.

I slowly stood, carefully setting Iris against the cave wall.

And then—

They entered.

The glow of torches illuminated their faces.

A group of knights in silver and blue armor.

And leading them—

Evelyn Frostbane.

Her piercing blue eyes locked onto us.

She wasn't just a knight.

She was a war goddess, a force to be reckoned with.

And she was here for blood.

"So she's here," Evelyn's voice was cold as ice. Her blade gleamed in the firelight.

"Iris Nightshade."

She took a step forward.

"Your life ends today."

Iris stirred beside me, eyes still heavy with exhaustion.

But I...

I didn't move.

I didn't let them take another step.

Evelyn's gaze flicked to me.

"And you, Renji... what the hell are you doing here?"

I met her eyes, unflinching.

"It doesn't matter why I'm here," I said.

The knights behind her tensed.

"But I'll tell you one thing," I continued, my voice unwavering.

"You're not going to touch Iris."

Silence.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes.

"If you try," I warned, "I don't want you to experience what I'll do to you."

A flicker of shock crossed her face.

Then—

She laughed.

A cold, mocking laugh.

"Oh? You—who's barely awakened his power—are threatening me?"

The knights around her sneered.

But I didn't waver.

Evelyn's smile faded.

"Why are you protecting her?" she asked, eyes sharp. "She's a killer. She's slaughtered hundreds."

I clenched my fists.

"She didn't start it," I said. "Every single one of those people attacked her first. And she only defended herself."

Evelyn's expression darkened.

"It seems like you've been manipulated," she said coldly.

I exhaled slowly.

Talking was useless.

I could see it in her eyes.

She wasn't here to listen.

She was here to execute.

I took a step forward, standing between her and Iris.

"I'm not abandoning her," I said.

Evelyn's grip tightened on her sword.

"Then you're a fool."

And then—

She attacked.

Her sword sliced through the air—fast, deadly.

I barely blocked it.

The impact sent a shock through my arms.

I gritted my teeth.

She was stronger than me.

But I refused to move.

I refused to let them take Iris.

Evelyn's eyes gleamed.

R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freewebnovёl.ƈom Only.

"Then I'll cut you down too."

And the real fight began