"Watch out—danger!"
Boom!
A powerful explosion erupted, shattering the steps beneath Merlin and Luna.
Thick black smoke filled the air, forming a dense haze that blocked their vision.
Luna shut her eyes in terror. But when she realized she felt no pain, she slowly opened them—only to find herself in Merlin's arms.
"T-This…" Her body stiffened as her heart began to race.
Merlin gently released her. His face was pale, and his breathing was heavy.
Noticing that, Luna quickly grabbed his arm. "Are you hurt?"
The explosion had been so strong that she hadn't even had time to react. If Merlin hadn't shielded her, she would've been dead by now.
"I'm fine," Merlin said calmly, though the faint hiss of pain slipping through his teeth betrayed him.
Of course, he was lying. The blast had struck his back—the very part he'd used to protect Luna.
His back was badly burned. He couldn't see it, but the pain was searing, and he could feel the blood running down.
