Chapter XXVIII:
Horror
Subaru sprinted through the village, his eyes darting around desperately. Most villagers had already joined the frantic search, but Subaru instinctively knew that Felt hadn't merely wandered into the woods.
Flam and Grassis had explained the circumstances: they'd stepped away briefly to speak with Otto, and Felt had entered the storage room to fetch feed for Patrasche. She hadn't returned, and there was no trace of her left upon investigation.
"Where are we headed?" Flam called as they matched Subaru's urgent pace.
"Only two possibilities," Subaru replied, jaw clenched tightly. "We'll start with Garfiel. Stay alert."
Both nodded silently.
It didn't take long to find Garfiel standing at the edge of the village, his arms crossed, his expression dark and brooding, watching the villagers comb the forest.
"Garfiel!" Subaru shouted as they approached.
Garfiel shot him a glance before returning his gaze to the searching villagers. "Heard about yer friend. Shame, I know you two are close."
Subaru forced himself to stay calm. "I appreciate that. Listen, I don't think you're responsible—but do you have any idea who might be?"
"Not a clue," Garfiel said flatly, his frown deepening. "I ain't kidnappin' girls for no reason."
Subaru stepped forward, voice firm. "Then come with me."
Garfiel raised an eyebrow, annoyed. "An' why would I follow yer orders?"
"I'm about to confront who I think is behind this," Subaru replied, his voice unwavering. "And I'd prefer someone strong by my side."
Garfiel's irritation softened slightly into curiosity. "Roswaal?"
Subaru nodded grimly.
"Fine. But only 'cause I hate that smug bastard myself." Garfiel turned abruptly, leading the way toward Roswaal's residence.
When they arrived, Rem was outside, confusion etched across her face as she spotted them approaching. "Subaru? I heard about Felt—did you find—?"
"We need to talk to Roswaal," Subaru interrupted firmly.
Rem hesitated but nodded, leading them into Roswaal's room, where Ram was busy changing his bandages. Flam and Grassis eyed Roswaal suspiciously as Subaru drew his sword without hesitation.
"Subaru, this isn't—" Rem started nervously.
"Where the hell is my sister, Roswaal?" Subaru demanded, ignoring her, his voice tense with fury.
Ram immediately positioned herself protectively between Subaru and Roswaal. "You dare barge in here threatening Master Roswaal?"
"Ram, no need to protect this creep," Garfiel snarled, stepping closer.
"I won't let you threaten him!" Ram snapped back, mana swirling around her defensively.
Roswaal laughed.
The room went quiet, everyone but Subaru turning toward Roswaal in confusion. Subaru tightened his grip on his sword, sparks dancing along its edge.
"I see what haaaaappened," Roswaal said smoothly, his eyes locked onto Subaru with a knowing smirk. "Long ago, Beatrice developed her Door Crossing magic here. Perhaps your little Felt stumbled through one of those abandoned doors."
"That's bullshit," Subaru growled, the sparks intensifying.
"Uncommon, certainly," Roswaal shrugged, unfazed. "The barrier prevents it from activating for current residents. Outsiders, though… they might find themselves transported."
Subaru moved closer, ignoring Ram's bristling aura. He was ready to fight if necessary, determined to force the truth from Roswaal's lips.
"If that's true," Flam interjected quietly, "where would she be now?"
"Back at the manor, I assume," Roswaal replied calmly, almost lazily. "Though precisely where, I couldn't say. It's been so loooong."
Subaru didn't trust a single word. This felt too deliberate—it was a trap.
"If you're lying…" Subaru warned darkly.
"See for yourself," Roswaal challenged coolly. "Besides, it would be for the best if you took a leave of absence for a while. You caused Emilia considerable distress today. Poor Rem spent hours helping her calm down. Luckily, Emilia will still take her trial this evening."
Garfiel glared sharply at Subaru, suspicion renewed.
You manipulative bastard… Subaru cursed inwardly, sheathing his sword reluctantly.
"Flam, Grassis—find Otto. We're leaving immediately to check on Felt," Subaru ordered, voice tense.
Traveling would take until morning; even if Felt was safe, he'd lose precious time returning. Subaru knew this couldn't be Roswaal's whole plan. There had to be more—something worse waiting in the wings.
Giving the room one final glare, Subaru turned swiftly, heading off to saddle Patrasche, heart racing with worry and anger.
Otto was ready in a flash. He quickly informed Subaru that he was certain Felt wasn't anywhere in the forest.
"I never told you this before, but I have a Divine Protection that lets me communicate with animals, insects, and anything that isn't a humanoid," Otto admitted, rubbing the back of his head.
Subaru considered this revelation, and it made perfect sense. He had always assumed Otto was simply skilled at reading earth dragons, but this explained much more clearly why Otto could translate for them with such ease.
Rem and Garfiel were the only two who saw them off. Emilia was occupied with preparations for the trial—or perhaps more accurately, still recovering from her earlier conversation with Petelgeuse. Subaru suspected the Archbishop had triggered memories Emilia had long kept suppressed, causing significant distress.
"We should reach the manor by early morning," Otto assured them as they crossed beyond the border of the Sanctuary.
Subaru had to restrain himself from urging Patrasche into a full sprint. He knew he could easily outpace Otto and the twins, but it seemed wiser to arrive together in case they encountered trouble. Yet a nagging feeling persisted that this journey was a race against time.
Whatever the case, Subaru couldn't shake his anxiety about what might await them.
Dawn finally broke, revealing the manor perched on the next hill. Arlam lay just beyond, nestled peacefully against the forest. Subaru was relieved to see no smoke or signs of destruction rising from the village; too many past returns had shown him scenes of chaos and ruin.
"With any luck, I'll be wrong, and Felt will be comfortably enjoying tea with Frederica and Petra," Subaru remarked hopefully.
"Yeah, then we can finally rest and get some food," Otto yawned, rubbing tiredly at his eyes.
A tense quiet hung over them as they approached the manor. Subaru surveyed the gardens, noting everything appeared normal, though a lingering unease remained.
"Ah, there you are," a gentle voice greeted them warmly.
Turning, Subaru watched Frederica emerge from the manor, her hands folded gracefully as she offered a welcoming smile. "I noticed your carriage arriving and wondered when you'd finally come back."
"Frederica," Subaru said, dismounting Patrasche and glancing around cautiously, "is Felt here, by any chance?"
Frederica nodded reassuringly. "She arrived quite suddenly yesterday afternoon. I must admit, it was rather unexpected. She startled poor Petra terribly by stumbling out of a closet while Petra was tidying up. Lady Felt certainly gave the girl quite the shock."
Subaru felt a wave of relief wash over him. If the worst that happened was Felt startling Petra, perhaps everything would indeed be fine.
Could it just be a coincidence? Subaru wondered, although he knew better than to trust such convenient luck.
"You look exhausted," Frederica remarked gently, eyeing Otto, who appeared ready to collapse.
"If I could have something to eat and a bed, I'd be eternally grateful," Otto groaned, nearly tumbling off the carriage seat.
"Of course, we should get you all inside," Frederica responded warmly.
Subaru nodded, slipping from Patrasche's saddle as his exhaustion began to catch up with him. He volunteered to take care of the earth dragons and carriage, an offer Otto readily accepted. Flam and Grassis made no objections, clearly anxious to confirm Felt's safety firsthand.
It took Subaru longer than expected to settle the dragons into their pens. Frufoo, utterly spent, showed no interest in food, while Patrasche eagerly devoured nearly the entire bucket of feed as soon as Subaru offered it.
Once satisfied that the dragons were properly cared for, Subaru hurried toward the manor, anxious to see Felt with his own eyes. Ensuring her safety was paramount, and afterward, he would insist she return immediately to the capital. With Roswaal's machinations escalating, keeping Felt close posed too great a risk. She was a vulnerability that could be exploited against him now.
Bringing her to the Sanctuary was reckless from the start, Subaru realized bitterly. It felt as though he had been stumbling from one misstep to another. He resolved to act more cautiously, or at the very least, more decisively from now on.
As Subaru stepped into the manor, he moved cautiously, fully aware that this was Roswaal's territory, where traps and dangers could be lurking at every turn.
"Subaru, we're up here!" Petra called cheerfully from the staircase, waving her hand.
Releasing a tired sigh, Subaru dragged himself up the stairs after her. Petra chatted eagerly as they walked, enthusiastically recounting all she had learned from Frederica and expressing her excitement about the new job. Subaru felt a pang of guilt when they reached the drawing room; he realized he'd barely registered a word she had spoken, his mind foggy from exhaustion and distracted by nagging anxieties.
Inside the drawing room, Subaru quickly noticed Otto was absent. Petra explained that he'd immediately fallen asleep upon being shown to his guest room, a reaction Subaru completely understood.
Felt sat comfortably, sipping tea and offering a mischievous smile. "Ah, there you are. Took your sweet time, didn't you?"
"You seem pretty relaxed for someone who randomly ended up stuck in a closet," Subaru replied, sinking heavily into a nearby chair. Fatigue spread through every muscle as he leaned back.
"Well, I won't lie—it startled me at first," Felt shrugged nonchalantly, "but I figured you'd show up eventually, so I wasn't too worried. Now we can finally sort out this Sanctuary mess together."
"Sort it out how, exactly?" Subaru asked wearily, reaching out for a biscuit.
"I don't know yet," Felt said, her smile growing sharper. "But knowing you, you'll think of something."
Subaru hesitated, an uneasy feeling prickling at the edge of his consciousness. He was waiting for the other shoe to drop. So far, things hadn't gone wrong.
"You look tired, Subaru," Petra interjected, voice filled with concern. "Why don't you get some sleep first? We can discuss everything later."
"You're probably right," Subaru sighed, massaging the back of his neck. "Flam, Grassis—one of you should head out and fetch Reinhard tomorrow morning."
"I'll go," Grassis volunteered quickly. "I ride better than Flam."
"Do not!" Flam protested immediately.
"Enough arguing," Felt said decisively, cutting them off, "she volunteered first. End of discussion."
Flam scowled slightly but made no further objections.
After devouring a few biscuits, Subaru pushed himself upright. "I need rest. I'll see you all later," he announced, noticing Petra's lingering gaze as he moved toward the hallway. Her attention wasn't unusual, but today it gave him pause, stirring faint unease.
When he reached his room, Subaru paused before entering, glancing around uncertainly. Something felt undeniably wrong, though he couldn't pinpoint the source. Trusting instinct, he locked the door behind him, trying to dismiss the nagging sensation as mere paranoia caused by fatigue.
Collapsing onto the bed, he barely registered the softness of the pillow before exhaustion dragged him swiftly into sleep.
"Wake up!"
Subaru's eyes snapped open as he bolted upright in bed. The room was dark, illuminated only by pale moonlight streaming through the windows. He realized with a pang of disorientation that he must have slept the entire day away. Looking quickly to his right, Subaru saw Otto standing over him, visibly frantic.
"Otto, what—"
Otto swiftly placed a hand over Subaru's mouth, raising a finger urgently to his own lips. The merchant-turned-stagecoach glanced anxiously toward the door, listening intently.
"I tried to get into your room, but the door was locked—I had to pick it," Otto whispered nervously.
"You can pick locks?" Subaru responded in an equally hushed tone.
"You pick up a few things on the road," Otto replied quickly, shaking his head. "But that's not important right now. Something's seriously wrong."
Subaru carefully slid out of bed, avoiding any unnecessary noise. "What do you mean?"
"Patrasche and Frufoo are both missing," Otto said, his voice shaking slightly. "I went to check on them, but…"
"But what?" Subaru asked, a creeping dread beginning to tighten around his chest.
"They were gone," Otto answered, his eyes wide with worry. "I tried talking to some woodland creatures for information, but nearly all of them had fled. The few birds I managed to speak with said the others scattered because there's an unusual number of witchbeasts nearby—powerful ones, not the kind we've dealt with before."
"That's not good," Subaru muttered, glancing warily around the dimly lit hallway. "What about the village? Is the barrier down?"
"Not sure," Otto replied, his voice tense. "The birds were panicked and flew off before I could get much out of them."
Subaru turned to the window. Outside, the world was still and quiet, but a knot of unease coiled in his gut. "Go find Felt and the twins. Wake them up. I'll search for Petra, Frederica, and—if I'm lucky—Beatrice."
Otto nodded quickly. "Alright. I'll be careful."
Subaru watched Otto disappear toward Felt's room, then turned on his heel and headed for the servants' quarters. Drawing his sword without hesitation, he moved swiftly but silently. He considered summoning Petelgeuse's unseen hands—but the strain was too great unless absolutely necessary.
The halls were oppressively quiet. Shadows stretched long across the floors. Arriving at the corridor with the staff rooms, Subaru noticed something immediately: the doors to Petra's and Frederica's rooms stood slightly ajar.
His brow furrowed as he approached cautiously. Pushing one door open, he was greeted by chaos. Feathers blanketed the floor from a slashed mattress. The walls were scarred by deep gashes, and a large hole was punched into the shared wall with Ram's room.
Subaru narrowed his eyes. Something violent had happened here.
A sudden creak behind him made his heart jolt. He spun, blade flashing—only to freeze the swing mid-arc as he recognized Petra. She squeaked and stumbled back, landing hard on the floor.
"By the Dragon," Subaru breathed heavily, lowering his sword. "You scared the life out of me!"
"Scared you?!" Petra barked, climbing to her feet, wide-eyed. "You almost cut me in two, Subaru!"
"I thought you were—never mind." He glanced back into the ruined room. "The door was open. The place is torn to shreds. Do you have any idea what happened here?"
"No clue," Petra replied, stepping cautiously closer. "Frederica was making a lot of noise earlier, though. Maybe something set her off?"
Subaru frowned, eyeing the destruction again. He didn't know Frederica well, but it would take something serious to leave a room looking like this. Something didn't add up. Something felt wrong.
"Have you seen or heard anything strange?" Subaru asked, his voice low but urgent.
Petra shook her head, looking uneasy. "No... Subaru, is something going on?"
"Otto discovered a group of Witchbeasts closing in around the manor," Subaru said grimly. "Patrasche and Frufoo are missing too. Whatever this is, it's bad."
Petra's expression hardened. "Then we should go find Frederica and the others," she said, then paused, eyes widening. "What about the villagers in Arlam?"
"As far as I know, the barrier should keep them safe," Subaru replied, though he wasn't completely sure. "For now, let's find the others. If you come across Beatrice's door, try to get her to come with you. She's strong—if anyone can protect this place, it's her."
Petra nodded as Subaru turned down the hallway. With luck, Otto would already have Felt and the twins on their feet. If it was just Witchbeasts, Subaru figured he could handle it—he wasn't the same as when the wolgarms first attacked Arlam.
The manor was quiet, too quiet. Shadows shifted with every flicker of moonlight through the tall windows. As they walked, Petra quietly reached for Subaru's hand. He didn't question it. She was just a kid, and she'd seen more horror than most adults. He gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze.
A flicker of movement made Subaru whirl around, blade half-raised—only to see Frederica stepping out of a side room.
"Petra, Subaru? You're both up late," she said with a soft smile.
Subaru kept his eyes on her. "Frederica… where were you just now?"
"I was preparing a little something for Flam and Grassis," she answered, eyes flicking to the sword in Subaru's hand. "Is something wrong?"
There was blood on her right hand—small, but unmistakable.
"I'd like to check that room," Subaru said slowly, keeping his grip firm on his weapon.
Frederica tilted her head, still smiling. "It's just a storage room, but if it'll ease your worries, be my guest."
Subaru moved cautiously, his senses on high alert. If Frederica was anything like Garfiel, she could transform, and that meant she could kill him in an instant if he let his guard drop.
The room appeared normal at first glance—dusty, unused. That in itself made the open crate in the corner stand out. Its surface was swept clean in contrast to everything else. Subaru approached it slowly, glanced back at Frederica—still watching him—and lifted the lid.
His breath caught.
Inside, wrapped in a blood-soaked blanket, lay Otto. Dead. Eyes wide open, staring up at nothing.
"Shamak," Subaru whispered, instinct overtaking reason.
Smoke exploded into the room. He rolled away just in time as Frederica lunged, dagger gleaming in the moonlight. Her blade hit the floor where his neck had been a heartbeat earlier.
No time to think. Just move.
Scooping Petra into his arms—her gasp choked with panic—Subaru sprinted down the corridor toward where Felt and the twins were staying. He didn't know what had driven Frederica to kill Otto, but he was sure of one thing: she wasn't herself anymore.
"Subaru, w-what was in the crate?!" Petra asked, trembling in his arms.
"Better if you don't know," he muttered, glancing back.
Frederica was chasing after them, her movements unnaturally fast. The dagger in her hand shimmered. Her smile was gone now—replaced by a hungry, focused glare that chilled Subaru to his bones.
"This is bad!" Subaru said sharply.
As if in response, a window burst open ahead of him, a snarling wolgarm skidding into the hallway. Without hesitation, Subaru flicked his sword forward, sending a crackling bolt of lightning directly into the creature's horn. It collapsed instantly, but he didn't pause—he leaped over its smoldering body, turning mid-air to unleash a jet of flame behind him toward the pursuing Frederica.
Petra screamed frantically from Subaru's shoulder, but he had no time to reassure her. He could only focus on staying alive through whatever madness had overtaken Frederica.
Reaching Felt's room, Subaru didn't wait to knock—he slammed his mana-infused foot into the door, sending it crashing open. His stomach lurched at the grisly sight inside: Flam and Grassis lay on the floor, their bodies grotesquely torn open, blood staining every surface.
Subaru forced himself to look away, frantically scanning the room. Felt was nowhere to be seen. That alone propelled him forward—he couldn't, wouldn't, accept the possibility she was gone.
A sudden flash of movement caught his attention. Subaru spun around, barely raising his sword in time to block Frederica's blade, sparks erupting as steel clashed against steel.
"Ah, a shame," Frederica smirked darkly. "I hoped seeing those girls like that would break you."
With a grunt, Subaru drove his foot into Frederica's chest, knocking her backward momentarily. But his relief was short-lived; behind him, the corridor windows shattered as a wave of wolgarms and black-winged mice flooded inside, cutting off any hope of retreat.
Subaru clenched his jaw, eyes darting rapidly between threats. He was cornered, with Felt missing—or worse.
No, he wouldn't accept that.
Faced with enemies on both sides, he chose the only option left. With a swift, mana-fueled strike, he plunged his blade downward, shattering the floor beneath him. Petra let out a terrified shriek as they plummeted, landing hard on the floor below.
Scrambling to his feet, Subaru sprinted down the hall, mind racing. He needed a safe place for Petra. He suddenly remembered the hidden passage in Roswaal's office.
"Petra," he said urgently as he raced toward the main staircase, "there's a hidden escape route in Roswaal's office. Do you know where it is?"
She nodded shakily.
At the staircase, Subaru gently set Petra down. "Go. Use the escape route and get away from here."
"What about you?" Petra cried, eyes wide with panic.
"I need to find Felt," Subaru insisted.
Afterward, he'd face whatever consequences were necessary—even if it meant resetting. But not until he was certain Felt was safe.
"Please, Subaru, don't leave me—"
Petra's plea was interrupted by a distant, terrified scream—Felt's voice, coming from the baths below.
Subaru turned sharply, ready to run to her aid, but a sudden searing pain erupted in his side. Stumbling back, he looked down in shock at the crimson stain rapidly spreading across his shirt. Petra stood before him, dagger dripping with his blood, a disappointed expression on her face.
"Oh, I missed," she sighed lightly.
"I warned you to practice more with blades," Frederica's voice mocked, echoing down the corridor as she emerged from the shadows, spinning a dagger casually. Behind her loomed an advancing horde of Witchbeasts.
"I prefer spending time with my friends, thanks!" Petra retorted cheerfully, then looked up at Subaru with a twisted smile. "It was sweet of you to carry me, Subaru. But I think big sister and I should wrap things up now."
Subaru staggered, clutching his wounded side. "Petra…why…?"
"Who better to fool you than a sweet face like mine?" Petra giggled innocently. "Don't struggle. It'll be over quicker that way."
Subaru gritted his teeth. He couldn't hesitate—not now. Gathering every ounce of mana he could muster, he unleashed a fierce wave of fire from his sword. Frederica's eyes widened as the corridor erupted in flames, the scorching blaze engulfing everything in sight. Subaru felt a pang of guilt, hoping desperately that Beatrice's door was safely beyond the fire's reach.
Ignoring the pain in his side, Subaru dashed downstairs toward the baths. Felt's frantic pounding and muffled shouts drew him closer.
"Felt, stand back!" he shouted, kicking the bathhouse door open. He stumbled inside, breathing heavily as Felt rushed toward him, her eyes wide with concern.
"Subaru! What happened—are you okay?!" she asked frantically, eyes fixed on his blood-soaked shirt.
He grimaced, steadying himself. "I'll live," he managed, bracing for whatever came next.
Subaru looked around, heart pounding. They were underground. The only exit was the way he'd come. If Frederica and Petra were still alive, he'd have to fight through both. Even if it meant his death, he would make sure Felt made it out. That was all that mattered now.
"Subaru…" Felt reached over and touched his bleeding side.
"Stay behind me. No matter what happens, I'll get you—"
He went wide-eyed as she suddenly pulled him down—and kissed him.
It wasn't a quick peck. It was deep, lingering.
"If we're going to die here," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, "I don't want it to be with regrets."
Subaru blinked. Confused. Before he could even process it, she kissed him again—this time more forcefully, her tongue pushing against his lips.
This isn't right.
Then—pain. A blinding, searing flash shot up his sword arm.
Subaru was sent flying, slamming hard into one of the bathhouse pillars. Gasping, he looked down in horror. His arm—gone. Severed clean at the elbow.
He screamed, clutching at the bloody stump.
Felt stood over him, holding his severed arm like a prize.
"You actually fell for that?" she cackled, twirling the limb mockingly. "Are you stupid, or do you just think with your dick?"
Subaru tried to rise, still in shock, but his body was failing him. He was dizzy, blood loss and betrayal clouding everything.
"F-Felt…" he gasped.
"Oh, poor thing." She knelt, picking up his sword. "Fancy blade. Did you get this just for me?"
The blade glowed red as she channeled heat into it. Then—without warning—she pressed the burning metal against his stump.
Subaru howled in agony. He nearly blacked out from the pain.
But he didn't.
"Still awake? Good," she purred, running a hand along his cheek. "I didn't want you dying too fast."
Subaru panted, eyes wide, sweat mixing with tears. "I don't understand…"
"You're not supposed to." She kicked him back down as he tried to get up again. "Stay. You're just meat. Lewd, squirming, bleeding meat."
She smirked. "But you're a decent kisser. Bit sloppy. I bet no one's ever really put their tongue down your throat before. You should be honored."
Subaru stared up at her, mind racing.
This isn't real.
"You haven't figured it out yet?" she giggled, tilting her head. "No surprise. You do look like a moron."
Then her body began to change.
Flesh shifted. Bones creaked. Her frame elongated just slightly—her limbs thinner, her posture regal. Her golden hair shimmered into a richer tone. Her crimson eyes glowed faintly. Her outfit turned black and purple, laced with suggestive cuts that exposed her stomach and thighs. Worst of all, two grotesque appendages sprouted from her back, insect-like, slick and twitching.
Subaru froze. The face before him was unfamiliar and horrifying. She looked like some distorted echo of Felt, but the eyes… they were nothing like hers.
"W-What the hell are you?" he asked, voice trembling.
The girl smiled, then bowed with exaggerated grace.
"The Sin Archbishop of the Witch's Cult representing Lust," she purred. "Capella Emerada Lugunica. The pleasure is all yours!"
Subaru's heart sank.
"Where's Felt?! What did you do to her?!"
Capella's smile twisted into something wicked. One of her black limbs lashed out—so fast he couldn't react. It slammed into his chest, sending him crashing into the far wall.
Pain erupted in his ribs. He coughed up blood, vision blurring.
"You're still worried about that little slut?" Capella laughed, voice echoing through the chamber. "You should be more concerned about the goddess standing before you."
"Where is she?!" Subaru roared, forcing himself to one knee, blood dripping from his side. The pain didn't matter. He'd been closer to death before. This—he could survive.
Capella sighed dramatically. "If you want the inferior product…" With a flick of her long, lizard-like tail, she struck a stone in the far wall. A hidden panel groaned open, revealing a cramped chamber beyond.
Inside, Felt was tied to a chair, unconscious. Her body was bruised and limp, her face pale and slick with sweat. The air reeked of rot. Flies buzzed lazily around piles of glistening meat that looked barely human.
"Oh? Still asleep, poor thing," Capella cooed. She sauntered over, humming a twisted lullaby under her breath. "I wonder if she'll be jealous I stole a kiss from her big, strong Subaru."
She slapped Felt across the face.
Felt groaned, stirring. Her swollen eyes fluttered open, unfocused at first—until they locked onto Subaru.
"S-Subaru…" Her voice was cracked and weak. "R-run…"
"Run, she says!" Capella squealed with delight. She grabbed Felt's chin, forcing her to look at him. "Look who came crawling back! Isn't that romantic?"
"Don't you touch her!" Subaru snarled, pushing himself up on his one good arm.
Capella's smile dropped. "I didn't say you could talk, meat."
Just then, the doorway behind her opened with a creak.
Frederica stepped through, cradling Petra in her arms. Their clothes were scorched, soot-stained—but otherwise they looked unharmed.
Subaru's stomach turned. That fire should've done more than just singe them...
"Mother," Frederica said, her tone eerily calm, "Sister is hurt. I ask to be returned, and to pursue the spirit girl afterward."
Capella sighed like a weary actress. "I suppose you've earned it. The others are dealt with?"
"Of course, Mother," Frederica confirmed without hesitation.
Capella turned, sauntering away from Felt. "Fine. Take your leave. I'll finish things here."
Subaru didn't wait. He started crawling toward Felt, teeth clenched, ignoring the searing pain that radiated from every nerve.
Then—he froze.
In his peripheral vision, he watched as Frederica and Petra… changed.
Their bodies twisted, bones cracking, skin rippling. It was grotesque. Frederica's sharp features melted into a familiar pale face, with dark, calculating eyes. Petra shrank, her innocence twisting into something sinister and childlike.
Subaru's heart dropped.
No...
Before him now stood Elsa Granhiert, the Bowel Hunter—grinning like death herself—and beside her, Meili, the blue-haired girl who'd vanished after the Wolgarm incident.
How long have they been pretending? Since the Sanctuary? Before? How much of this was a lie?!
He didn't have time to think. He surged forward, desperate to reach Felt.
Steel kissed his throat. A boot crushed him to the floor.
"Not so quick now, are you?" Elsa purred, blade dancing against his skin. "You've lost your edge, Subaru. Or maybe it's just harder to run when mother's already clipped your wings."
"Mother, may I take a peek inside this one?" she asked sweetly, pressing the blade harder.
"No," Capella said, walking over with a smirk. "He's mine. Take your sister. I'll leave the little spirit girl to you as a reward."
"Yes, Mother," Elsa replied, stepping back—but not without trailing the flat of her blade across Subaru's chest like a promise.
Subaru locked eyes with Felt.
She looked broken—defeated. And why wouldn't she be? He was on the ground, his sword gone, his arm severed, barely able to breathe, let alone stand. There was no saving anyone in this condition. Not even himself.
Capella strolled lazily toward Felt, her tone mock-thoughtful. "I wonder, Subaru…" She ran her clawed fingers through Felt's tangled hair. The girl flinched, biting down a whimper. "You clearly have a thing for this one—though I can't imagine why."
She leaned down beside Felt, her voice turning syrupy and cruel.
"What if she wasn't this pretty little thing anymore? What if I made her… grotesque? Would you still love her if she was just a pile of meat?" She giggled. "Or maybe a fly? A little buzzing maggot, all squishy and mindless. Would you hold her close then, Subaru?"
You'll die before I let you touch her again.
Subaru didn't hesitate. He reached into his gut—into that awful, pulsing knot of pain—and pulled.
Petelgeuse flickered into being beside him, eyes wide in alarm. "Subaru?! What—"
No time to explain.
Three black hands erupted from Subaru's back, twisting violently toward Capella.
CRACK!
Her head twisted all the way around with a sound like snapping branches. Her body collapsed into a heap, twitching once—then going still.
Petelgeuse vanished, the hands with him, as Subaru sagged forward.
For a second, he thought it might be over.
Gritting his teeth, he forced himself up, stumbling toward his fallen blade. Grabbing it for balance, he limped over to Felt and cut the bindings from her wrists. She collapsed into his arms with a soft gasp.
"I'm getting you out of here," he whispered.
"Y-you need to run…" she croaked, her voice faint.
"I'm not leaving you behind," Subaru said firmly, hoisting her onto his back with what little strength he had left. He could feel her shaking, but her weight grounded him. Gave him purpose.
He staggered forward, limping toward the door.
Halfway there—
CHOMP.
Agony exploded through his leg as something clamped onto his calf. Subaru screamed, collapsing under Felt's weight. He looked back—and his blood ran cold.
A gaping maw had opened from Capella's back, serrated and serpentine. It chewed, then spat out a chunk of Subaru's flesh with a wet splat.
"You do taste like rotten meat," Capella giggled.
Her body jerked, spasming—then straightened.
Her head rotated with slow, cracking snaps, twisting back into place with unnatural ease. Her eyes opened, gleaming with sadistic delight.
"Ohhhhhh, you look so disappointed," she purred. "You didn't think that would kill me, did you, moron?"
Subaru trembled, pain pulsing through his leg, his breath ragged.
This was a demon wearing flesh. And she wasn't done with him yet.
"My, you are persistent," Capella drawled, stepping leisurely forward, her eyes glittering maliciously. "Perhaps I'll turn you into a cute little pet for Meili—or better yet, a lump of rotten meat."
Subaru felt desperation clawing at his chest. His gaze darted frantically toward the bathhouse door, smoke already curling beneath its edges. There was no escape—only prayer.
"Beatrice… please," he whispered, his voice breaking.
Clutching his sword with his one remaining hand, Subaru forced every ounce of mana he had left into the blade, flames roaring fiercely from its edge. With a guttural cry, he unleashed a scorching torrent toward Capella. Heat and smoke flooded the room, and he struggled to keep his focus through the pain.
He reached within himself again, gripping the twisted knot of his soul, and invisible hands burst forth, wrenching the bathhouse door open. Dragging himself and Felt through, he fell forward.
The door slammed shut, and suddenly they were no longer in the manor but sprawled across the floor of the Forbidden Library.
Beatrice stood above them, her eyes filled with profound sadness. Black, reality-breaking cracks splintered outward across the walls, swallowing the library into a void. Subaru's vision blurred as he struggled to hold onto consciousness. Silently, Beatrice knelt beside him, gently placing her small hands on his mangled legs. Relief washed over him as healing magic closed his wounds, though the damage was severe. He knew he wouldn't stand again without further treatment.
"Beatrice," he rasped weakly, his vision swimming, "Please, take Felt and run."
Beside him, Felt drifted in and out of consciousness, her breathing shallow.
"My time has come, Subaru," Beatrice murmured, a sorrowful smile touching her lips. "The manor burns, and soon I'll be gone as well, I suppose."
She withdrew her hands, the warmth of her magic fading from his limbs.
"I won't let Felt die here," Subaru forced out, his voice cracking, tears streaming down his dirtied face. "Please—I beg you—help us."
Beatrice hesitated, her small frame trembling slightly. Her eyes softened, regret shadowing her expression. "Betty wanted to be selfish, just this once. Four hundred lonely years… I hoped you might become 'that person' for me. But I can't ask you now; it would be cruel, I suppose."
"Beatrice—!" Subaru reached out weakly.
"Oh, you evaded Mother, how disappointing."
Subaru twisted around painfully. Elsa stood at the library's threshold, framed by roaring flames behind her, a sinister smile curling her lips as she idly twirled her bloodied blade.
"So, it's you, then," Beatrice whispered, her voice full of quiet resignation. "You're not the one I would have chosen, I suppose."
Elsa tilted her head slightly, eyes glittering dangerously. "Mother will be most displeased, though I'm sure she'll be delighted once I present these two."
"You might have become 'that person' for me, but never for them," Beatrice declared firmly. Raising her hand, magic surged through her fingertips. Before Subaru could protest, the floor beneath him vanished, and he and Felt plunged downward.
Above them, Elsa lunged forward, blade gleaming as it pierced through Beatrice's small frame. The librarian's eyes met Subaru's as she fell, blood blooming across her gown.
"Beatrice!" Subaru screamed, heart shattering as darkness swallowed them.
Vertigo gripped him until the ground struck hard, bitter coldness flooding over him. Groaning, he struggled to sit, cradling Felt protectively. Frigid snow blanketed the unfamiliar landscape.
"W-Where are we?" he whispered hoarsely.
Felt shivered violently in his arms, her skin burning hot. She was feverish, barely clinging to consciousness. Subaru's chest tightened; he needed to find shelter, quickly.
A gentle nudge at his leg startled him. Glancing downward, he saw a small white rabbit, its red eyes shining curiously. Confused, Subaru stared at the creature.
"What…?"
Before the thought fully formed, sharp agony tore through his calf as the rabbit sank needle-like teeth into his flesh. Crying out in pain, Subaru kicked it away, blood pouring freely.
His heart froze as the rabbit split apart, multiplying rapidly. Dozens—then hundreds—emerged from the shadows, encircling him hungrily.
"No…" he gasped, panic rising in his chest. Felt groaned faintly, struggling weakly in his arms.
A chorus of shrill squeaks rose around them. Subaru reached desperately for his mana, clawed internally for that knot of power—but nothing remained. Drained, helpless, he could only shield Felt with his trembling body, pulling her tightly against him.
The rabbits surged forward, an unstoppable wave of fur, fangs, and hunger. Subaru screamed in raw agony as they tore mercilessly into his flesh, ripping and biting relentlessly. Pain eclipsed all thought, his cries silenced by teeth tearing into his tongue.
But true despair came when Felt began to scream. Her anguished cries ripped through him, worse than any physical agony.
Subaru struggled, thrashing weakly even as his strength failed. His vision blurred, darkness claiming him, but Felt's tormented cries echoed in his mind until the very end.
A/N: I had two Chapters done, and I forgot to post here, been so busy with life. I am sorry for that! Enjoy these two, and I hope to see you next week!