I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 151: Lost

The tension was thick in the air, and Malvoria knew it. Knew it because every time Elysia looked at her, something flickered in those violet eyes—something she wasn't sure even Elysia herself had fully acknowledged yet. And it amused Malvoria to no end.

As they left the glowing crystal caves behind, stepping back into the open wilderness of the mountain, Malvoria allowed herself the smallest, most fleeting of smiles. The experience had been... satisfying.

Watching Elysia's expression shift from awe to wonder, seeing her touch the crystals with such reverence, and the way she had turned to Malvoria, just for a second, with something close to gratitude—well, it made the effort worth it.

But of course, she wasn't about to say that out loud.

The fresh mountain air was crisp against her skin, the sky a perfect shade of cerulean stretching endlessly above them. The wind carried the scent of pine and damp earth, ruffling the leaves in a soft whisper.

Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy as they navigated the uneven terrain, casting shifting patterns of gold and green across the ground. It was beautiful. Serene.

And, unfortunately, a path Malvoria hadn't fully mapped out.

Not that she was about to admit that either.

Elysia, ever the energetic explorer, walked a few paces ahead, glancing over her shoulder. "So," she said, voice laced with suspicion. "We're taking a different route back?"

Malvoria hummed, nonchalant. "I thought you liked adventure."

Elysia narrowed her eyes at her. "Adventure. Not reckless wandering."

Malvoria smirked. "Same thing."

Elysia scoffed. "No, it's really not."

She turned back to the path, muttering something under her breath. Malvoria caught a few words—terrible guide, thinks she's invincible, should've known—and she chuckled, shaking her head.

The route should have led them back down the mountainside in a slightly different direction, allowing them to see more of the landscape.

Malvoria had traced this part of the terrain before, long ago, though she had never actually walked it herself. But how hard could it be?

That answer came rather quickly.

The further they walked, the rougher the path became.

The terrain sloped unevenly, roots twisting out of the ground like jagged scars, making every step treacherous.

Some sections of the path narrowed alarmingly, forcing them to move carefully along the edge of rocky inclines.

And then there was the occasional loose rock—which Elysia almost tripped over more than once—that made navigating the descent an ongoing challenge.

Elysia, for her part, was clearly judging Malvoria.

Openly.

Loudly.

"So tell me, oh wise and experienced Demon Queen," she drawled after they had been walking for over an hour, arms crossed over her chest, eyes narrowed in mock scrutiny, "are we actually going the right way, or is this one of those 'trust the process' situations?"

Malvoria didn't even glance at her. "You wound me. Do you really think I'd lead us astray?"

"Yes," Elysia deadpanned.

Malvoria placed a hand over her heart, feigning offense. "I'm hurt."

"You'll live," Elysia muttered, stepping over a fallen branch.

Malvoria chuckled again, but even she had to admit—this was becoming slightly more complicated than anticipated.

The incline steepened, forcing them to move more carefully, the ground becoming more uneven beneath their feet. The wind had picked up slightly, rustling through the trees, sending leaves dancing through the air.

And then the path narrowed again—this time to a dangerously slim ledge along the edge of a steep drop.

Elysia, of course, strode forward with all the confidence of someone who had no real concept of danger.

Malvoria narrowed her eyes. "Watch your step."

"I know how to walk, Malvoria," Elysia shot back, rolling her eyes as she maneuvered carefully along the ledge.

And then—her foot slipped.

It happened fast.

Too fast.

One second she was moving, the next she was tilting dangerously toward the edge, her body weight shifting too far.

Malvoria reacted instantly.

In a single, fluid motion, she reached out and yanked Elysia backward, pulling her firmly against her chest, her arms locking around her waist to keep her steady.

The world stilled.

Elysia was breathing hard, fingers instinctively clutching at Malvoria's arms. Their bodies were flush against each other, too close, too warm, and Malvoria could feel every rapid, uneven beat of Elysia's heart against her own.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Neither of them spoke.

Malvoria exhaled slowly, voice low and amused. "You don't know how to walk."

Elysia tensed in her arms. Then, just as quickly, she scowled. "Shut up."

Malvoria smirked.

She could feel Elysia's breath against her neck, could feel the way her body fit too perfectly against her own, and for one dangerous second, she didn't want to let go.

Elysia was the first to move.

She stepped away, clearing her throat, pointedly not looking at Malvoria as she muttered, "I had it under control."

Malvoria let out a short laugh. "Of course you did."

Elysia glared at her. "I did."

Malvoria hummed in clear disbelief but didn't press the issue. Instead, she turned to look at the path ahead, gaze flickering over the terrain.

And that's when the realization hit her.

They were lost.

Malvoria blinked.

Then frowned.

Then turned slowly back toward Elysia.

Elysia, who was already looking at her with the most deeply suspicious expression.

"What?" she said slowly.

Malvoria hesitated. Weighed her options.

Then sighed.

"Well," she said, dragging a hand through her hair, her smirk twitching slightly, "we're lost."

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Elysia stared at her.

Then stared harder.

Then— "You mean to tell me we are actually lost?!"

Malvoria rolled her shoulders. "Temporarily misplaced."

Elysia looked like she was about to combust. "Oh, this is fantastic. My oh-so-powerful demon queen, my 'trust me, I know the way' wife, has no idea where we are."

Malvoria held up a finger. "In my defense—"

"No, no," Elysia cut in, pointing at her with all the righteous fury of someone who had warned her about this exact situation. "There is no defense, Malvoria! This is why people use maps! This is why people plan ahead! This is why—"

Malvoria simply reached out and placed a hand over her mouth.

Elysia made an indignant sound against her palm.

Malvoria smirked. "Are you done?"

Elysia yanked her head back, glaring. "I hate you."

Malvoria chuckled. "You say that a lot."

"Because it's always true."

Malvoria shook her head, amused despite their predicament. "Relax. We'll find the right path again."

Elysia grumbled something unflattering under her breath, rubbing her temples as if she were fighting off an oncoming headache.

Malvoria, despite everything, was still smirking.

After all this was fun. And, despite all her complaints, she could tell Elysia thought so too. She just hope they would find their way back.